- His inauguration set for today
- Inauguration brings Masisi and Khama face to face
- Boko expected to share his visions and goals
- UDC manifesto has however already laid Boko’s road map
- It’s yet to be seen if the goals will be delivered within set timelines
After claiming a huge electoral victory against the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) that has been in power since independence in 1966, the leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Duma Boko is today (Friday 8th) being officially inaugurated as the sixth president of the Republic of Botswana.
This historic event held at the National Stadium that many are optimistic heralds a new dawn for Botswana is attended by dignitaries from the region, heads of missions, members of the diplomatic corps, former Presidents, senior government officials and members of the public. Among those attending the inauguration is Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Commander in Chief, Julius Malema whose visa restriction of 2013 has since been lifted by President Boko.
The much anticipated inauguration according to a release from Government Communications features a ceremonial swearing-in, followed by an address by President Boko where he will share his visions and goals.
Through its manifesto themed, ‘Inclusive Growth, Quality Lives’ the UDC has however already laid its road map that will among others focus on creation of 500 000 jobs in the next five years, raising the basic pay, students’ allowances and old-age pensions as well as turning the country into a transport, infrastructure, ICT and education hub.
Further to that, right after he was handed over the office by his predecessor Mokgweetsi Masisi on Monday, Boko later went on to tell senior government officials that work under his administration will only be based on merit.
“We are going to work on merit. Merit doesn’t care whether you like me or you don’t, it doesn’t care whether you are my friend or not but it speaks for itself at all times, so let’s all operate on merit and let it speak for itself,” he said.
Boko’s administration is to be seen if indeed it will fulfill and commit to its promises which some of its timelines have been set to be in his next 100 days in office. It is also to been seen how the new president will tackle some of the challenges the country has been faced with. These include among others, high unemployment and poverty rates as well as escalated corruption which occurred under the administration of former president Masisi.
The change of administration has seen Ndaba Gaolathe yesterday (Thursday) being successfully appointed and elected the new vice president of the country after Boko has long made the announcement on Monday that he has picked him for the position. Gaolathe who is also UDC’s deputy president was celebrated by Boko for his calming effect indicating that, “he has a way of calming me and everyone else around him.”
The new changes also saw former cabinet minister, Bogolo Kenewendo returning to parliament as Specially Elected Members of Parliament (SEMP) and she is now joined by former Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo, Major General Pius Mokgware, Nono Kgafela-Mokwalo, Moeti Mhwasa and Dr Sthepen Modise.
Meanwhile former Selibe-Phikwe West Member of Parliament, Dithapelo Keorapetse has also taken the reigns as the 13th Speaker of the National Assembly after being nominated by President Duma Boko. Keorapetse is deputized by Mmopane-Metsimotlhabe Member of Parliament, Pushie Manyeneng who defeated Kgatleng West MP, Unity Dow of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP).
