After nine days of mourning, Batswana bid farewell to the late Botswana's third president, Festus Mogae, yesterday.

At Phomolong Memorial Park Cemetery in Gaborone, the state funeral accorded to the former leader was combined with the military pomp of a 21-gun salute and Batalaote traditions of his childhood in the cosmopolitan village of Serowe in central Botswana.

Across the southern African country, people gathered in living rooms to watch the live broadcast of Mogae's funeral.

In Serowe, the crowd gathered at the main kgotla, or customary court, to watch the live broadcast, while scores of mourners at the University of Botswana Indoor Sports Arena waved goodbye as their hero's flag-draped casket was being taken for burial.

Former and current leaders from the SADC region took turns eulogising Mogae, who served as Botswana's president from 1998 until 2008.

"He understood that democracy grew not in lockstep agreement but in the rowdy, rebellious tug-of-war taking place in public discourse. In all these wars and more, he strengthened and energised our democracy. He was not common," remembered Botswana's President Duma Boko. 

Former President of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete, also paid tribute.

"These attributes of his made him liked by many, not only here in Botswana but also in the SADC region. President Festus Mogae was a distinguished son of Africa who made important contributions towards advancing the Pan-African agenda of promoting regional integration, African unity, peace and political stability."

Pakalitha Mosisili is a former Prime Minister of Lesotho.

"This loss is not only to Batswana but also to the entire African continent, which he served with such unwavering dedication and humility. President Mogae was a statesman of rare vision and integrity. He steered Botswana with prudence and foresight, ensuring that the vast natural resources of Botswana were used for the benefit of Batswana."

Born in Serowe, on 21 August 1939, to a family of cattle farmers, Mogae began his career in Botswana's civil service, rising to roles including Governor of the Bank of Botswana and Minister of Finance before becoming Vice President in 1992.

Post-presidency, Mogae received the 2008 Ibrahim Prize for African Leadership and acted as United Nations Special Envoy on Climate Change. He passed away aged 86 in Gaborone.