The late former President of Botswana, Sir Ketumile Masire will be afforded a state funeral. This was confirmed by family Spokesperson Fraser Tlhoiwe on Friday.
Tlhoiwe says President Seretse Khama Ian Khama visited the family on Friday morning and confirmed that flags will fly at half-mast, as the country mourns one of its founding fathers.
“It is going to be a state funeral and then, this afternoon (Friday), government officials led by the honourable minister of presidential affairs, governance and public administration is meeting the family to discuss the program for today until the day of the funeral. All these will be confirmed afterwards, after the meeting this afternoon (Friday), and then this will be shared with the public, with the world, as to when the funeral will take place.”
Masire passed away on Thursday night aged 91. He was admitted to the intensive care unit of a Gaborone hospital over the weekend.
Masire was the President of Botswana between 1980 and 1998.
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A moment of silence has been observed by delegates attending the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) summit in Swaziland – following the passing of Botswana’s former President Sir. Ketumile Masire.
King Mswati III, outgoing chairperson of SACU, has described his death as a great loss to the region and that his legacy will always be honoured.
Mo Ibrahim Foundation
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation says it is deeply saddened by the passing of a brother and Board member, Sir Ketumile Quett Joni Masire and wishes to express its deepest condolences to the Masire family, the people of Botswana and Africa as a whole.
Mo Ibrahim: “Africa today lost a great statesman and role model. We at the Foundation will greatly miss his wise counsel, guidance, and his humour”.
– By Itumeleng Kgajane
