03 Nov 2019

 As President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi majestically walked into the University of Botswana (UB) Sports Arena for his inauguration as the fifth president of the republic on November 1, chants of “Si, si, si, si!!!” from the excited crowd only underlined the public goodwill behind the country’s newly elected leader.

In a break with tradition, this time the inauguration had not taken place at the parliament buildings, and the sizable crowd who made it into the UB arena were able to express their common sense of purpose as a nation in giving support to a newly elected leader as he pursues a fresh five-year mandate.

Having spent 18 months in office after taking over from his predecessor Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama and partaking in one of the most highly contested elections in the country’s history, President Masisi entered the UB arena like a triumphant army general bearing the spoils of victory after a bruising battle.

But instead of gloating about his resounding electoral mandate, Dr Masisi was magnanimous in his speech, thanking politicians from across the political divide for enriching democracy and calling for national unity and a focus on overcoming challenges facing the country.

“I want to commend the leaders of political parties, party candidates, independent candidates as well as the electorate themselves for taking part in the general elections,” Dr

Masisi said, adding, “I can assure you that we are united in our political commitment to take this country to greater heights by ensuring that there is inclusive socio-economic development. We stand united because of the aspirations we have as a people to make this country a better place for all of us to live in.”

The President further proceeded to say, “We must view this day as a national victory where our common love for freedom, decency, democracy and the fundamental rights of our people to determine their future has risen above any political differences we may have as a people.

Therefore, I want to urge all of us to continue on this path and work together in building a peaceful and harmonious country as a united people.”

Noting that those who laid the foundation at independence ensured the country was anchored on the national values of democracy, development, self-reliance, unity and Botho, President Masisi acknowledged some of the challenges; past and present, that the country faced, before laying before the nation his national transformation strategy.

Just after his swearing in and prior to his speech, Dr Masisi inspected a guard of honour and got a 21-gun salute as an honorific fly-past by the Botswana Defence Force air arm added to the pomp and ceremony.

In delivering a homily, Col Rev. David Mapitse, a military chaplain, called for the president to face the challenges of corruption, unemployment and poverty head on, and called upon Dr Masisi to unite the nation.

Inside the arena, the mood was jovial, as former MPs and recently elected ones who are about to be sworn into the 12th congregation of the National Assembly sat beside other dignitaries, and occasionally lapped up the cheers of the crowd.

Dressed for the occasion, which attires included mateisi print and national colours and waving flags, the crowd also applauded foreign dignitaries as they came to lend their support; Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa getting the biggest ovation.

Ultimately, the stage belonged to President Masisi, who was accompanied by First Lady Neo Masisi, their daughter Atsile, the President’s mother, Ms Precious Masisi as well as his siblings.ENDS