21 Mar 2021

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi left for Dodoma, Tanzania today(March 21) to join other SADC heads of states for Dr John Magufuli’s memorial service.

The Tanzanian president died last week and has since been succeeded by Samia Suluhu Hassan.

In an interview  prior  to his  departure, President Masisi stressed the importance of attending the service saying it was fitting to console the grieving.

He said the visit was in line with Botswana’s commitment to maintain friendly diplomatic relations with the rest of the world even in time of bereavement.

President Masisi, who is SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security chair, will while in Tanzania convene a troika meeting with the incoming chair, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and President  Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe who are also scheduled to attend the service.

The  President’s entourage  includes Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public  Administration, Mr  Dumezweni Mthimkhulu and permanent secretary to the president, Mr Elias Magosi, who is also Botswana’s candidate  for the SADC position of executive  secretary.

 Dr Masisi explained that the inclusion of Mr Magosi was primarily  for him  to benchmark on proceedings undertaken at regional level.

The President and his delegation are expected back today.ENDS