JOHANNESBURG, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa sent a message of condolence to the government and people of Botswana on Sunday following the passing of former President Festus Mogae.

Mogae, 86, passed away on May 8 after a period of illness. He served as the third president of Botswana from 1998 to 2008.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Ramaphosa extended sympathies on behalf of SADC heads of state, governments and citizens to former First Lady Barbara Gemma Mogae, Botswana President Duma Boko and the Batswana people.

Ramaphosa said Mogae was a "distinguished statesman whose wisdom, humility, and commitment to peace, good governance, and health advocacy continue to inspire the SADC region and beyond."

He particularly lauded Mogae's "courageous and principled leadership" in addressing the HIV and AIDS pandemic, noting that his resolve "lifted SADC as a region" and established a legacy to be remembered for generations.

Following Mogae's passing, Botswana announced three days of national mourning. ■