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Festus Mogae in 2009 when he received an Honorary Doctorate from Sussex

Festus Gontebanye Mogae, who served as the third President of the Republic of Botswana and took his master's degree in development economics at the University of Sussex, has died at his home in Gaborone at the age of 86.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil said: “The University of Sussex joins Botswana and people from across the world in mourning the passing of Festus Mogae, a leader whose measured stewardship of Botswana was a powerful example of integrity, economic prudence and democratic accountability. President Mogae not only helped make Botswana a stalwart of democratic accountability, his steadfast commitment to good governance and international cooperation continues to inspire students, scholars and leaders alike - reminding us that strong character and clear vision are essential to building just societies.”

Background and education

Festus was born on 21 August 1939, in Serowe, a village in central Botswana, into a family of cattle farmers and pastoralists.  Raised in modest rural circumstances, he did not begin formal schooling until the age of 11. After completing his secondary education, he pursued a BA in Economics at University College, Oxford, and earned his master's degree in Development Economics from the University of Sussex in 1970.

He returned to Botswana in 1968, two years after the country gained independence from Britain. He soon entered the civil service and rose steadily through the ranks of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.

Career

Between 1976 and 1980, he served as Alternate and Executive Director for Anglophone Africa at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C., before returning to Botswana to serve as Governor of the national bank and later Permanent Secretary to President Ketumile Masire. By 1989, he had been appointed Minister of Finance, and in 1992 he became Vice President.

On 1 April 1998, Festus was sworn in as Botswana's third President. During a period of rapid growth driven by diamond revenues, his decade in office was characterised by principled economic oversight, strengthening Botswana's economic management and governance systems and focusing on national development.

He also displayed real leadership in the fight against the HIV/AIDS crisis, as the country experienced one of the world's worst infection rates. He declared it a national emergency and moved control of the epidemic from the Ministry of Health directly to the Office of the President. He oversaw Botswana's emergence as the first African nation to provide free antiretroviral therapy to all infected citizens – on one occasion undergoing a public HIV test himself to help tackle stigma.

He stepped down in 2008 in accordance with constitutional term limits, receiving the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership.

Legacy and connections to Sussex 

Festus remained an advocate for HIV/AIDS treatment in the region, lobbying for free antiretroviral therapy and measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission. He was also involved in a number of international advisory and peace mediation roles across Africa. 

Festus always remained connected to Sussex. He gave a public lecture entitled Botswana: An African Miracle? to a packed lecture room in February 2005, and in 2009 he attended a graduation ceremony to accept an Honorary Doctorate from the University. In 2012 he was awarded one of only 10 Gold Medals to mark the 50th anniversary of the University, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to his country and to humankind. In 2018 and 2019 he hosted Sussex delegations at his office in Gabarone, Botswana, providing a warm welcome. He was always generous with his time, and spoke of his desire to see Botswana continue its path towards prosperity.
 
Festus is survived by his wife, Barbara Modise, and three daughters, Nametso, Chedza, and Boikaego.