02 Jul 2024

Botswana is proud of the role the country played during the Southern African struggle for liberation from settler colonialism and white minority rule, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi told the visiting former Mozambique president, Dr Joaquim Chissano.

The President was speaking during a courtesy call from Dr Chissano at Office of the President yesterday.

He noted that Botswana was proud to host the Samora Machel Museum in Lobatse, which the two countries partnered in developing as a historic reminder of the period Mozambique’s founding President Machel lived in exile in Botswana.

Lesser known than Mr Machel’s stay with the Kgabosetso family in Peleng, Lobatse, was that Machel, who led Mozambique from independence in 1975 until his passing away in an airplane crash in 1986, first came to Botswana settling in Francistown, hosted by the country’s first Leader of the Opposition, Mr Philip Matante.

Having briefly stayed in Francistown, the proximity to Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) was considered a risk, and Mr Matante asked Mr Kgabosetso, a fellow Botswana People’s Party (BPP) operative to host Machel further South in Lobatse, before the Mozambique leader proceeded outside the country.

Francistown also hosted leaders of the South West African People’s Organisation (SWAPO), including independent Namibia’s four presidents, Dr Sam Nujoma, Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba, Dr Hage Geingob and the incumbent, Dr Nangolo Mbumba.

“We have a rich history in serving as a conduit for Southern African liberation struggle heroes, we are proud of the role our people played in supporting freedom fighters from across the region as they fled their homes and organised their nation’s battle for liberty,” said Dr Masisi.

He further revealed that he would soon be visiting Mozambique on a state visit that would be in part to bid farewell to President Filipe Nyusi who was due to complete his second term this year after the scheduled October 9 elections.

For his part, Dr Chissano, who was Mozambique second head of state from 1986 until 2005 said he hoped that this year’s general elections in both his country and Botswana would take place in a peaceful, free, fair and transparent manner.

He thanked President Masisi for his invitation to partake in the Sir Seretse Khama Day activities on July 1, an event he said was beautiful and well organised.

Dr Chissano further said he visited former president Dr Festus Mogae, with whom he managed to engage in fruitful dialogue as senior statesmen and companions. Ends