Festus Mogae stood down as Botswana’s president on 01 April, after a decade in which his country cemented its status as one of Africa’s success stories. Mogae, handed over the reins of power to his long-time heir apparent, Ian Khama.
The new Botswana president is the son of the country’s respected founding president, Sir Seretse Khama. His late father is still a revered figure in Botswana, while the traditional hereditary chieftainship carries a lot of weight and attracts praise, unquestioning loyalty and authority.
Ian Khama obtained his military training at Britain’s famous Sandhurst Academy and took over command of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) in 1989 when General Merafhe retired to join elective politics.
In 1998, Mr Khama was plucked from the military by his political mentor and predecessor, Festus Mogae, and appointed vice-president.
Excerpt taken from his inaugation speech, President Ian Khama said:
I am confident in the future, and I am determined to build upon the solid foundation that has already been laid since independence by my predecessors. For me to succeed, we must all be growing in success. No one can achieve anything on his or her own. This is our country, the only country we have. Botswana can achieve greater success only if we show a collective will and when we all participate fully in her affairs.
Therefore whatever we do or whatever we say must be done and said in the best interests of this country.....
The new Botswana president is the son of the country’s respected founding president, Sir Seretse Khama. His late father is still a revered figure in Botswana, while the traditional hereditary chieftainship carries a lot of weight and attracts praise, unquestioning loyalty and authority.
Ian Khama obtained his military training at Britain’s famous Sandhurst Academy and took over command of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) in 1989 when General Merafhe retired to join elective politics.
In 1998, Mr Khama was plucked from the military by his political mentor and predecessor, Festus Mogae, and appointed vice-president.
Excerpt taken from his inaugation speech, President Ian Khama said:
I am confident in the future, and I am determined to build upon the solid foundation that has already been laid since independence by my predecessors. For me to succeed, we must all be growing in success. No one can achieve anything on his or her own. This is our country, the only country we have. Botswana can achieve greater success only if we show a collective will and when we all participate fully in her affairs.
Therefore whatever we do or whatever we say must be done and said in the best interests of this country.....
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