By Amy Musgrave
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will attend the inauguration of Botswana’s new president Duma Boko in Gaborone on Friday.
Boko was elected after his party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change, won the country’s 13th general elections and unseated the Botswana Democratic Party that had been in power for 53 years since gaining independence from Britain.
According to the Presidency, Mashatile was attending the inauguration as delegated by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who would be in in KwaZulu-Natal for a presidential imbizo.
Ramaphosa has congratulated Boko on his victory and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to working closely with Botswana, as a valued neighbour, to realise the regional integration agenda in pursuit of Africa’s prosperity.
South Africa and Botswana enjoy strong political, economic and social relations, which date back to pre-independence in Botswana, during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid in South Africa.
“South Africa wishes President Duma Boko and the Botswana government well in this democratic transition and looks forward to supporting the country’s efforts toward economic growth and prosperity,” the Presidency said in a statement on Thursday.
Botswana has declared a public holiday for Thursday and Friday.
The inauguration will take place at the National Stadium, with a number of leaders and dignitaries expected to attend.
While there has been increased security, protests are unlikely as the transition between Boko and his predecessor, Mokgweetsi Masisi, has been smooth, with Masisi offering his support to the new 54-year-old leader, who is a human rights lawyer.
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