09 Nov 2024

President Duma Boko's message during his inauguration ceremony held Friday at the National Stadium put emphasis on virtues of unity, togetherness, Botho and mutual respect. President Boko in his address urged Batswana not to allow themselves to be drawn into squabbles of who stood on which side during the past general elections but to consider themselves as one nation. Batswana heard President Boko’s message loud and clear and regarded it as unifying. BOPA caught up with a few Batswana who attended the ceremony, to get their views on President Boko’s message to the nation. One such was Ms Maemo Kelopile, who indicated that the message resonated with Botswana's culture. "In politics we differ according to our preferences. We cannot see a person holding a different view as an enemy," said Ms Kelopile, urging Batswana to heed the call for unity. Ms Tshidi Lekgowe of Gabane said what President Boko was appealing for, was for Batswana to prevent what other African countries experienced after elections. "In most African countries it's almost a given that elections are always disputed, leading to conflict that affects the economy, peace and security, as well as taking with it lives," she said. Ms Lekgowe therefore, said President Boko's message and former president, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi's willingness to hand over power gave the continent hope. A youth, Mr Kitso Norman, hailed President Boko for ‘defying the African norm’ of revenge of political opponents. "If it was in other African nations, the past administration would know what might be coming, but it is humbling that President Boko is instead preaching the opposite, that we should not hold grudges but move together in unity to build our nation," he said. Mr Norman said that President Boko's message was also a lesson to future leaders and would also make it easy to work with the last administration for the good of the nation. MISA Botswana Chapter chairperson, Mr Thomas Nkhoma also expressed appreciation of the message. "As Batswana, we are a humble and peace-loving nation and President Boko’s message of peace and unity after the elections reflects this deeply rooted cultural value. The peaceful transfer of power was symbolic of our shared commitment to democracy, demonstrating that political differences can coexist with mutual respect," he said. The smooth change of guard, he said, also affirmed Botswana’s reputation as a symbol of stability in the region, where the electoral process was honoured by all stakeholders. Mr Nkhoma also said President Boko’s emphasis on the importance of embracing rivals reminded all that, “in the end, we are one people with a common goal: to advance as a united and democratic country underpinned by the principles of self-reliance, Botho and development.” "By highlighting the significance of unity and calling on Batswana to see the strength in their diversity, he was in a way reminding them that Botswana’s success was built on solidarity and collective progress," he said. Mr Nkhoma said that by reinforcing the principles of Botho and mutual respect, President Boko expressed hope that Botswana’s peaceful elections could serve as a powerful example to other countries. Ends