The adage that a picture is worth a thousand words aptly describes the newly launched photo-book on President Duma Boko, titled That’s My Boy.
Compiled by renowned photographer, Monirul Bhuiyan, the book captures defining moments of President Boko’s political journey from his election as leader of the Botswana National Front (BNF) in 2010 to his assumption of the country’s highest office.
Through a compelling visual narrative, Bhuiyan traces Boko’s path from early political aspirations to the historic night of November 1, 2024, when he was elected Botswana’s sixth president.
The images highlight the power of grassroots activism and the perseverance that underpinned the journey.
Structured chronologically, the book moves from the trenches of political struggle to the Office of the President.
Beyond recording milestones, it offers insight into the President’s thinking, his policy perspectives, political life and vision for a renewed Botswana.
Themes of hope and unity are woven throughout, particularly in photographs from the formative days of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), where Boko is seen alongside the late Gomolemo Motswaledi, founder of the Botswana Movement for Democracy.
The collection also reflects on the presidency itself, capturing campaign trails and rallies that culminated in the UDC’s 2024 victory, as well as intimate moments from the transfer of power and inauguration. Other images show the President during UDC parliamentary caucus meetings, State-of-the-Nation Addresses and debates, offering the public a window into his reflections as he confronts economic challenges.
Overall, the book underscores President Boko’s conviction that democracy is not bestowed from above but built collectively, day by day.
It presents a portrait of how an ordinary citizen can rise to the nation’s highest elected office.
Speaking at the launch, President Boko said he was deeply moved by the book produced under his name.
“This photo-book takes me back to a time many remember, the days when I stood in opposition, when the road was uncertain and the weight of resistance was heavy,” he said.
The images, he added, captured moments of struggle, sacrifice, doubt and unwavering hope, and honour those who believed even when belief was costly.
Referring to photographs from a court case questioning his BNF membership, he said the book was an emotional roller coaster.
“Those were gloomy days in my political career,” he said, explaining that his membership should never have been in doubt, having been raised in the party tradition by his father and mentored by Kenneth Koma.
He recalled contesting for a BNF central committee position in Kanye, where he lost the international affairs portfolio to Calmon Mogalakwe, further affirming his longstanding party involvement.
President Boko said the book also reflected moments of betrayal and hardship, experiences that shaped his resilience.
He emphasised that his story was not one of inherited privilege but of hope, tenacity and a desire to serve the nation.
“For many, I am evidence that one can reach the stars without being born with a silver spoon,” he said, adding that childhood hardships should never be seen as barriers.
While he values a life away from the limelight, President Boko acknowledged that public scrutiny had followed him from an early age.
He commended Bhuiyan for documenting the journey ‘not for glory, but for truth’.
For his part, Bhuiyan said the project was undertaken for posterity.
“For a newspaper, you are taking pictures to go along with a story or the news of the day, but the mission of this project was to document the presidency for history.” he said.
He noted that the images captured a range of emotions from triumphant political moments to sombre and deeply human experiences. ENDS