The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, has denied reports that President Emmerson Mnangagwa gifted Ankole cattle to his Botswana counterpart, Duma Boko.
On Tuesday, the Botswana newspaper Tuesday Grill reported that Mnangagwa presented 10 Ankole cattle to Boko during a SADC meeting to congratulate him on his historic general election victory. The report also stated that Boko has not transported the cattle to Botswana, as he is not a farmer.
In a statement, Emang Mutapati, the Press Secretary to the President of Botswana, dismissed the claims as “baseless and unfounded.”
Commenting on the statement by Mutapati, Mangwana said: “President [Mnangagwa] did not give President [Duma Boko] Ankole cattle.”
However, in a subsequent statement, Tuesday Grill reaffirmed their commitment to the accuracy of their reporting, insisting that they stand by their original story. Reads the statement:
<h2>We Stand by Our Story: Response to Emang Mutapati’s Rebuttal</h2>
<blockquote>
We have noted with great disappointment a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the President, Emang Mutapati, purporting to refute our lead story titled “Mnangagwa Gifts Boko 10 Expensive Ankole Cattle.”
It is not our intention to engage in back-and-forth exchanges, as we adhere to the highest standards of journalism, including thorough research and fact verification, before publishing any story.
What is particularly disappointing, however, is that Mutapati was contacted prior to the story’s publication and requested five days to respond.
In a time-sensitive environment where the public expects prompt information, such a delay appeared to be an intentional attempt to gag us.
We are therefore surprised that within less than 24 hours, Mutapati has issued a rebuttal.
If she had a response ready, why was it not provided to us when we approached her? This clearly demonstrates a lack of genuine intent to respond to our inquiries.
Furthermore, if Mutapati wishes to address us, she should refrain from dragging unrelated bodies, such as the Editors’ Forum, into the matter an entity to which she remains conflicted as both a member and former chairperson.
MISA Botswana remains the recognized authority advocating for free speech locally.
To our readers, clients, and stakeholders, we urge you to remain calm. We are firmly committed to upholding the principles of quality journalism and will continue to operate with integrity.
Those seeking to discredit us, as has become increasingly evident, will ultimately face the reality of their misplaced efforts.
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More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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Nick Mangwana denies that President Mnangagwa gave cattle to Botswana's President. Botswana newspaper reported that Mnangagwa gave 10 cattle, but Botswana denies it. The newspaper stands by its story and criticizes Botswana's response. They say they verified the facts. The newspaper accuses Botswana of trying to silence them. They promise to keep reporting the truth. The situation shows a conflict between the media and the government.

Nick Mangwana Denies Mnangagwa Gifted Cattle To Botswana's President

Botswana’s President, Duma Boko, has denied claims that he was gifted 10 Ankole cattle by President Emmerson Mnangagwa during a recent SADC meeting in Harare.
According to Tuesday Grill, the cattle were allegedly given to Boko to congratulate him on his historic general election victory.
However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, December 17, Emang Mutapati, the Press Secretary to the President of Botswana, stated that the claims are “baseless and unfounded.” Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Office of the President categorically refutes false allegations that President Duma Boko has received any breed of cows or similar gifts from His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
President Boko has never been involved in farming, either as a cattle rancher or any other manner.
These baseless and unfounded claims are therefore a deliberate act of propaganda designed to mislead the public, detract from the critical work of the administration, and tarnish the strong diplomatic relations between Botswana and Zimbabwe.
We urge the public to dismiss these misleading allegations with the contempt they deserve. Furthermore, we call on the leadership of the Botswana Editors Forum to protect the public from rogue elements who masquerade as journalists while engaging in deliberate misinformation campaigns.
The relationship between President Boko and President Mnangagwa remains diplomatic, focused solely on strengthening cooperation and fostering mutual development between the two nations.
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More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Botswana's President Duma Boko says he did not receive 10 Ankole cattle as a gift from President Mnangagwa. This was rumored to congratulate Boko on winning the general election. Boko's Press Secretary denies these claims, saying they are false and meant to mislead the public. Boko has never been a farmer and the allegations are propaganda to harm relations between Botswana and Zimbabwe. The two presidents are focused on working together for the benefit of both countries.

Duma Boko Denies Receiving Ankole Cattle Gift From Mnangagwa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa reportedly gifted 10 Ankole cattle to Botswana’s President, Duma Boko, during a SADC meeting. This gesture was intended to congratulate Boko on his historic general election victory.
However, according to Tuesday Grill, Boko has not transported the cattle to Botswana, as he is not a farmer.
Commenting on the report, Zimbabwean opposition leader Job Sikhala, who attended Boko’s inauguration along with several regional opposition leaders, suggested that the new Botswana president would likely refuse such a “dirty gift from a dirty regime” if it were offered to him. Sikhala posted on X:
<blockquote>
I have… come across some raging and fuming anger over this alleged dirty gift to President Duma Boko. The anger by many Zimbabweans who are living under poverty and squalor and repression is justified because to the majority of our people, change in Botswana was seen as the progressive signs of democracy in motion.
Some of us stood with the opposition because we wanted the will of the people of Botswana to prevail which eventually happened.
People of Zimbabwe must know that ZANU PF was openly supporting their losing horse Masisi of BDP and the coming into power of the opposition miffed them.
To spin their embarrassment they are doing everything possible to soil and destroy the public image and trust of the new government in Botswana by going there and start throwing such gifts as announced in the story by the Tuesday Grill to tarnish the image of the new sheriff in Botswana.
The story does not tell us whether President Duma Boko has accepted such a dirty gift from a dirty regime which I know for a fact he has not.
It is some of these narratives we are being sold to equate the new government in Botswana as no different from any other regimes in Africa like the disappointment people had in Malawi’s Chakwera after he flew to London to attend an online meeting for some fast Internet and WiFi connection.
We must look at every act the ZANU PF regime do to the new government in Botswana with an open and critical eye.
This is an attempt to birsmirch the new government as one of those African governments that has only brought the change of faces but not the behaviour and conduct we have been witnessing for years in Africa!!!
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's President, Mnangagwa, gave 10 Ankole cattle to Botswana's President, Boko, as a gift. But Boko hasn't taken the cattle to Botswana as he is not a farmer. Some people think this was a bad move by Mnangagwa to make Boko look bad. They say it's a dirty gift from a bad regime. The opposition leader in Zimbabwe, Sikhala, thinks this gift is meant to make Boko's government look bad. People should watch out for any bad moves by Zimbabwe's government towards Botswana.

Mnangagwa Gifts 10 Ankole Cattle To Botswana's President | Report

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, current Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko will visit the SADC Secretariat Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana, on December 13, 2024.
Mnangagwa became SADC Chairperson on August 17, 2024, during the 44th SADC Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe.
As part of his role, SADC Chairpersons typically visit the Secretariat Headquarters to acknowledge the Secretariat’s work in promoting regional integration and to offer guidance on its programs.
During the visit, Mnangagwa, Boko, and the SADC Secretariat will officially receive the new SADC Headquarters building from Bongwe Investments, representing the SADC Heads of State and Government. <a href="https://www.sadc.int/latest-news/his-excellency-dr-emmerson-dambudzo-mnangagwa-president-republic-zimbabwe-and">SADC said in a statement</a>:
<blockquote>
The SADC Secretariat Headquarters Building has been governed through a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) Agreement involving SADC, Bongwe Investments (Proprietary) Limited (Private Party) and the Government of the Republic of Botswana as a guarantor to the PPP arrangement.
The SADC Chairperson and the President of the Republic of Botswana will also perform a ground-breaking ceremony for the commencement of the construction of the SADC Standby Force Regional Logistics Depot (RLD) at Rasesa village, in the Kgatleng District, 40km from Gaborone.
The SADC Standby Force Regional Logistics Depot will serve as a storage for materials, equipment and end-user stocks for use by the SADC Standby Force when undertaking mandated peace support and humanitarian missions.
The SADC Chairperson oversees the highest level of the governance structure of SADC, and among others, has the overall mandate of providing policy direction, and controlling the functions of SADC.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Mnangagwa and President Boko will visit SADC Secretariat Headquarters. Mnangagwa became SADC Chairperson in 2024. They will acknowledge the Secretariat's work and offer guidance. They will receive a new headquarters building. The leaders will also start building a logistics depot for SADC Standby Force. The depot will store materials for peace missions. The SADC Chairperson controls functions of SADC. The visit is to show support and guide the Secretariat.

Mnangagwa And Boko To Visit SADC Secretariat Headquarters

The newly-elected Botswana President Duma Boko announced the first batch of his Cabinet ministers on Monday morning.
Among the key appointments are Ndaba Gaolathe, who will serve as Minister of Finance and Vice President, and Dr. Stephen Modise, who has been appointed Minister of Health, along with his assistant Lawrence Ookeditse.
A new ministry, the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, will be led by Nono Kgafela-Mokoka. Dr. Micus Chombombi has been appointed to head the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, with Dr. Edwin Dikoloti serving as his deputy.
26-year-old Lesego Chombo, Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024 will lead the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs.
Dr Phenyo Butale has been appointed as the new Minister of International Relations. Said Boko:
<blockquote>
This is only the first batch. We will announce more Cabinet ministers as the week progresses.
</blockquote>
When asked how many Cabinet ministers he plans to appoint, the President responded, “I initially wanted 10, but after consultation with professionals both locally and internationally, we have decided on 18.”
According to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/botswana-vice-president-appointed-finance-minister-new-cabinet-2024-11-11/">Reuters</a>, the Deputy Minister of Health is an opposition lawmaker, while the Deputy Minister of Agriculture is an independent lawmaker.
Boko has yet to announce the new Minister of Mining, a particularly significant position given that Botswana is the world’s leading diamond producer by value.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Botswana's new President Duma Boko named some key ministers in his Cabinet. Ndaba Gaolathe will be both the Finance Minister and Vice President. 26-year-old Lesego Chombo will be the Youth and Gender Minister. The President plans to have 18 ministers in total. They are still looking for a Mining Minister, which is important because Botswana produces a lot of diamonds. The Deputy Ministers come from different political backgrounds. More ministers will be announced soon.

Botswana Cabinet: VP To Double As Finance Minister, 26-Year-Old Miss World Africa 2024 Named As Youth Minister

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Former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has hailed the recent peaceful and seamless power transfer in Botswana as a sign that the winds of change are sweeping across the region.
Speaking to Botswana Television (BTV) on the sidelines of the inauguration of Botswana’s new president, Duma Gideon Boko on Friday, November 2, Chamisa reflected on the significance of the event.
Chamisa pointed out that, unlike in Zimbabwe, where he believes he defeated President Emmerson Mnangagwa in both the 2018 and 2023 elections, Botswana’s leadership transition demonstrated a commitment to democracy and peaceful change.
He claimed that despite his victories at the polls, Mnangagwa had refused to step down and vacate office.
Chamisa said he hoped that the Zimbabwean leader might learn a valuable lesson from Botswana’s example—that there is “life after conceding defeat in an election” and that peaceful transitions of power are essential for the stability and progress of any nation. Said Chamisa:
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<blockquote>
We defeated ZANU PF twice, but they refused to go. We hope Mr Mnangagwa will learn one or two lessons about life after politics, life after leadership, and life after public office.
Botswana is a signal, what Botswana has done is significant for the continent, for a new Africa and the region in terms of heralding a new era of newness, an era of transformation, an era of effective transition.
You look at it, the BDP (Botswana Democratic Party) was in power for 58 years but this is a smooth transition from one political party to another.
</blockquote>
Chamisa also said that former presidents should be treated with respect after leaving office, urging that they be allowed to step down with dignity and not be pursued for past actions, whether by commission or omission.
Boko’s Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) triumphed over the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in the October 30 elections, ending the BDP’s 58-year grip on power.
Former President Mokgweetsi Masisi and Mnangagwa reportedly faced boos from the crowd during the inauguration ceremony.
In contrast, the loudest applause was reserved for former Botswana President Ian Khama.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Nelson Chamisa praised Botswana for peacefully changing leaders. He said Zimbabwe should learn from Botswana's example of a smooth transition. Botswana's new president, Duma Gideon Boko, won the election, ending a 58-year rule by the Botswana Democratic Party. Chamisa hopes leaders like Mnangagwa will step down gracefully after losing elections. He said former presidents should be respected and not pursued for past actions. The crowd booed at Mnangagwa and Masisi but cheered for former President Ian Khama at the inauguration. Chamisa believes peaceful power transfers are important for stability and progress in a nation.

Chamisa Hails Botswana's Peaceful Power Transfer

President Emmerson Mnangagwa returned to Zimbabwe on Friday afternoon, shortly after attending the inauguration of Botswana’s new president, 54-year-old Duma Gideon Boko, in Gaborone.
The event saw the presence of several regional heads of state, including Mnangagwa, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, and South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
In a rare move, several opposition politicians from various countries were also invited, including South Africa’s Julius Malema and Mmusi Maimane, as well as Zimbabwe’s Nelson Chamisa and Job Sikhala.
Mnangagwa had flown to Botswana earlier that morning from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport aboard an Air Zimbabwe plane and was back in Zimbabwe by the afternoon.
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gb3MddpXQAA3vpR?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/>
While there is no formal connection between Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU PF party, led by Mnangagwa, and Botswana’s new ruling party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Mnangagwa’s attendance was expected in his capacity as both Zimbabwe’s head of state and the current Chairman of SADC.
The UDC’s victory in the October 30 elections, which ended 58 years of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) rule, marks a historic shift.
Despite ZANU PF’s support for the BDP during the campaign, the latter came fourth in a four-party race.
While it is common for heads of state to attend such inaugurations, the inclusion of opposition leaders at the event is unusual for the SADC region.
The invitation extended to Chamisa and other opposition figures signals a developing relationship between regional opposition leaders and President Boko.
Chamisa’s invitation to the inauguration follows his attendance at the swearing-in of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, a leader seen as sympathetic to Zimbabwe’s opposition.
This trend suggests a growing diplomatic rapport between regional opposition political parties and emerging regional leaders who are not from former liberation movements.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Emmerson Mnangagwa went to Botswana for the new president's inauguration. It was a big event with many important leaders there. Some opposition politicians were also invited. Mnangagwa flew to Botswana and came back to Zimbabwe on the same day. The new ruling party in Botswana won after the old ruling party lost after 58 years. This is a big change. It's not common for opposition leaders to be at these events, but it shows a better relationship between them and the new president. This is happening in other countries too, like Zambia.

Mnangagwa Returns Home Soon After Boko's Inauguration

An unidentified man, holding a stack of papers, almost successfully evaded security and managed to get within a metre of Botswana President Duma Boko during his inauguration in Gaborone on Friday, November 8.
Security officials swiftly intervened, grabbing the man just moments before he reached the president and escorting him away.
The incident caused a brief disturbance, unsettling horses lined up nearby, and security personnel struggled to calm them down.
Watch the video below:
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<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="360" id="video-285614-1" preload="metadata" width="640"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Motswana.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Motswana.mp4">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Motswana.mp4</a></video></div>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A man tried to get too close to Botswana President Duma Boko during his inauguration. Security stopped him just before he reached the president. The incident startled horses nearby. Security had a hard time calming them down. The man was taken away by security. The whole thing was caught on video. It happened on November 8 in Gaborone. President Boko was not hurt.utto

WATCH: Security Scare At Botswana President Duma Boko's Inauguration

President Emmerson Mnangagwa departed Harare on Friday morning for Gaborone, Botswana, to attend the inauguration of President-elect Duma Boko.
Mnangagwa’s main political rival, Nelson Chamisa, who narrowly lost to the president in both the 2018 and 2023 elections, will also be present at the event.
Mnangagwa was seen off at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Vice President General (Retired) Constantino Chiwenga, cabinet ministers, service chiefs, and senior government officials.
Meanwhile, Chamisa took to his social media platforms to confirm his attendance, posting that he had arrived in Botswana for the inauguration of the newly elected president. He wrote:
<blockquote>
I’m in Botswana for the inauguration of the new President and a new government. God is faithful. And God’s plan for Zimbabwe is great and on course. Our time to smile and celebrate is coming. Our Botswana moment is not far. We’re next.
</blockquote>
As Zimbabwe’s Head of State and Government, as well as the current Chairman of SADC, it was expected that President Mnangagwa would be invited to the inauguration of Botswana’s new president.
However, it is unusual for opposition figures to be extended invitations to such high-level events within the SADC region.
The invitation to Chamisa suggests a unique and developing relationship between the Zimbabwean opposition leader and Boko.
Chamisa had also been invited to the inauguration of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who is widely regarded as sympathetic to Zimbabwe’s main opposition. This indicates growing diplomatic ties between Chamisa and regional leaders who share his political outlook.
The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), led by Duma Boko, emerged victorious in the October 30 elections, defeating the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which had been in power for 58 years.
In celebration of the inauguration of the new president, the Botswana government has declared a one-and-a-half-day paid public holiday.
Government spokesperson Montlenyane Baaitse announced that Thursday, November 7, will be a half-day, while Friday, November 8, has been officially designated as a full-paid public holiday.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Mnangagwa and Nelson Chamisa are going to Botswana for the inauguration of the new president, Duma Boko. This is unusual because opposition leaders are usually not invited to such events. Chamisa was also invited to the inauguration of the Zambian president, showing growing ties with regional leaders who support him. Boko's party won the elections, ending 58 years of the ruling party in Botswana. The Botswana government declared a one-and-a-half-day holiday to celebrate the inauguration.

Mnangagwa, Chamisa To Attend Botswana President's Inauguration

Botswana’s new president, Duma Gideon Boko, wants undocumented Zimbabweans legalised by granting them temporary work and residence permits.
Speaking on the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7v3l3zr63vo">BBC Africa Daily</a> podcast before his historic inauguration on Friday, Boko said Zimbabweans do jobs that would otherwise not get done.
Botswana is home to the world’s second-largest population of Zimbabweans fleeing their country’s economic crisis, and they are often met with resentment, leading to daily deportations.
The move may not be well received in the diamond-rich southern African nation, but President Boko, 54, who recently ousted the ruling party that had been in power for 58 years, sees it as a key part of his efforts to revive the economy.
He said managing the influx of thousands of Zimbabweans crossing through the long and porous border between the two countries has been a significant challenge. Said Boko:
<blockquote>
They come in and are undocumented. Then their access to amenities is limited, if it is available at all, and what they then do is they live outside the law and they commit crimes – and this brings resentment.
So what we need to do is to formalise, have a proper arrangement that recognises that people from Zimbabwe are already here.
</blockquote>
The exact number of Zimbabweans in Botswana is unclear, but thousands have been crossing the border regularly since Zimbabwe’s economy collapsed due to hyperinflation two decades ago. Many have also sought political asylum.
Available statistics show that Zimbabweans make up 98% of what are classified as “irregular migrants” in Botswana.
In response to a parliamentary inquiry earlier this year, a government minister revealed that between 2021 and 2023, 13,489 migrants were recorded, with 13,189 being Zimbabwean nationals.
Deportations of Zimbabweans are conducted daily by police stations across Botswana, targeting those without proper documentation or those involved in criminal activities.
They are often employed in low-wage jobs, primarily as domestic workers and farm labourers. Said Boko:
<blockquote>
A lot of these workers from Zimbabwe perform tasks that the citizen finds unattractive… they do jobs that would otherwise not get done and so there’s no conflict there.
In any and every construction site in Botswana the majority of people with those skills are from Zimbabwe, so we need to do a twin programme of allowing them to come in and we utilise the skills that they have and in the process of utilising these skills we also engage in some sort of skills transfer.
We can’t stop people with skills from coming in when we don’t have the skills ourselves – we need to develop these skills and it takes time, so in the interregnum we need to have them come in properly, come in legally and be rewarded appropriately for the skills that they bring.
</blockquote>
However, late last year, the government faced backlash after proposing that identity cards replace passports for travel between Botswana and Zimbabwe. The general sentiment was that this change would result in an influx of more Zimbabweans.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Botswana's new president, Duma Boko, wants to make undocumented Zimbabweans legal by giving them work and residence permits. This is to help them do jobs that locals don't want and reduce resentment. Many Zimbabweans go to Botswana because of their own country's problems. Boko thinks it will help the economy if they are allowed to stay legally and use their skills. But some people are worried there will be too many Zimbabweans coming in. The government had a plan to use identity cards instead of passports, but people didn't like this idea.

Botswana To Legalise Undocumented Zimbabweans - President Boko

Botswana has declared a one-and-a-half-day paid public holiday to celebrate the inauguration of the country’s new President, Duma Gideon Boko.
In a statement released on Tuesday, November 5, government spokesperson Montlenyane Baaitse announced that Thursday, November 7, will be a half day, while Friday, November 8, has been officially designated as a full-paid public holiday. Said Baaitse:
<blockquote>
The public is informed that the President of the Republic of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, has officially declared Friday the 8th of November 2024 as a paid public holiday.
This decision aims to provide Batswana with the opportunity to attend the inauguration ceremony of the 6th President of Botswana.
In addition to the public holiday, Thursday, November 7, 2024, has been designated as a half day. This allowance is intended to facilitate safe travel for long-distance travellers heading to Gaborone to participate in the historic inauguration event on the 8th of November, 2024.
</blockquote>
Baaitse encouraged Batswana to plan their travel to Gaborone and participate in the celebration of “this significant occasion in our nation’s history.”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Botswana has a new president named Duma Gideon Boko. The government has declared a one-and-a-half-day public holiday for his inauguration. Thursday, November 7th will be a half day, and Friday, November 8th will be a full-paid public holiday. This is to allow people to attend the inauguration ceremony. People are encouraged to plan their travel to Gaborone and participate in this important event. It is a significant occasion in the country's history.

Botswana Declares One-and-a-Half-Day Public Holiday For President's Inauguration

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who also serves as the SADC Chairperson, on Friday extended his congratulations to Duma Boko, the newly elected president of Botswana.
Boko, the leader of the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change, was officially declared Botswana’s sixth president by Chief Justice Terence Rannowane during a broadcast on state television.
In his congratulatory message, Mnangagwa said that Boko’s victory in the October 30 election reflects the strong confidence that the people of Botswana have in his leadership abilities. Said Mnangagwa:
<blockquote>
On behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and on my own behalf, I wish to extend to you my most sincere congratulations on your election as the next President-Elect of the Republic of Botswana.
Your victory clearly attests to the confidence that the people of Botswana have in your leadership capabilities.
As you assume your new role, I am confident that the excellent relations between our two countries will continue to grow from strength to strength in the years ahead, for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.
I also affirm my commitment to working very closely with you at regional, continental and multilateral fora, in pursuit of a just global political and economic order.
May I take this opportunity to wish you personal good health and success, as well as peace and prosperity for the people of Botswana.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa’s delay in congratulating Duma Boko has raised eyebrows, especially since outgoing Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat and congratulated Boko early on Saturday.
In contrast, during the recent Mozambique elections on October 9, Mnangagwa swiftly congratulated FRELIMO’s Daniel Chapo even before the final results were announced.
Political commentators suggest that Mnangagwa may have been hurt by the defeat of his close ally, as several high-ranking ZANU PF officials, including Patrick Chinamasa, actively campaigned for Masisi and his PDP party leading up to the elections.
Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono claimed that Masisi and Mnangagwa were friends long before they assumed the presidency in their respective countries. He wrote on X:
<blockquote>
Masisi used to visit Mnangagwa before either of them became president, it was under the radar, and the Zimbabwean media never wrote about it, maybe because they didn’t know, or because they didn’t see the need to.
To keep these visits discreet, Masisi would stay with John Bredenkamp, a white businessman and ZANU PF supporter who died in 2020, rather than with Mnangagwa directly.
So, the association between Masisi and Mnangagwa was not new, it predated their presidencies and it became apparent as the two men took turns to support each other publicly.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Mnangagwa congratulated Duma Boko, who won the election in Botswana. Boko is the new president of Botswana. Mnangagwa said the people of Botswana trust Boko to lead well. He wants to keep good relations with Botswana. Mnangagwa waited to congratulate Boko, while Boko's opponent, Masisi, congratulated him quickly. Some think Mnangagwa was upset because Masisi lost. They were friends before becoming presidents. They supported each other. Mnangagwa and Boko will work together in the future.

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