Sunday, 10 May 2026: The South African Communist Party (SACP) conveys its message of heartfelt condolences to the family of former Botswana President Festus Mogae who died on Friday 8 May. We also send our message of condolences to the government and people of Botswana and Africa for the loss.
Leading Botswana as president from 1998 to 2008, Mogae distinguished himself as a principled leader committed to the development of his nation. In an era of rampant AIDS denialism across the world, under his leadership Botswana became the first African country to distribute free antiretroviral therapy and also implemented measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
In honour of his distinguished leadership and steadfast commitment to democratic governance, economic development and service to the people, Mogae received numerous accolades worldwide, not least the prestigious Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership which he received in 2008.
In memory of President Mogae, the SACP calls for the unity of the African working class and all progressive forces to build a sovereign continent free from the clutches of imperialist forces. Towards that end, the SACP is collaborating with various progressive forces across Africa – including political parties, trade unions, non-governmental organisations, progressive thinkers, among many others – under the auspices of the African Left Networking Forum and calls for more progressive forces to join the Forum.
ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY,
FOUNDED IN 1921 AS THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Media, Communications & Information Department | MCID
Mbulelo Mandlana, Head of Media, Communications and Information
+27(0) 81 556 1903
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Pius Vilakati
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