Gaborone: Deputy President Paul Mashatile will represent South Africa at the State Funeral of the late former President of Botswana, His Excellency Festus Gontebanye Mogae, on Saturday. The ceremony will take place at the University of Botswana in Gaborone. Deputy President Mashatile will attend on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Government, and the people of South Africa.

According to South African Government News Agency, former President Mogae passed away last week at the age of 86. President Ramaphosa has expressed condolences to former First Lady Mrs. Barbara Gemma Mogae, the bereaved family, President Duma Gideon Boko, and the people of Botswana.

In a tribute given on Monday, President Ramaphosa acknowledged Mogae's contributions to democracy, governance, and regional cooperation. He emphasized the shared grief of South Africans and the people of Botswana at the loss of Mogae, whom he described as a valued neighbor and friend who championed shared democratic values and governance principles.