In the speechwriter's view

President Masisi presenting his inauguration speech PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES
President Masisi presenting his inauguration speech PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES

The demeanour, calmness, clear voice and energy that he exuded as he presented his speech last Sunday, spoke volumes about Botswana’s fifth President Mokgweetsi Masisi's composure.

In particular, Masisi read his speech with clarity for the benefit of his audience. Icing on the cake was probably the posture of a family man that he presented. On his immediate left was Chief Justice Maruping Dibotelo, Masisi’s daughter Atsile, his wife Neo ‘Mma-Atsile’ and former president Ian Khama tucked in a corner. Masisi would later indicate that he was the only President who took oath of office with a surviving mother.

After his relatively short speech compared with his predecessors, Masisi took a few steps and faced northwards where he met the wife whom he gently kissed. This was before he passionately hugged his predecessor, Khama as they clung to each other’s breast for a while, in what became known as a presidential hug. It was the end of Khama’s era and now the nation has high hopes pinned on Masisi’s era as it started last Sunday until the next general elections billed for 2019.

Editor's Comment
Inspect the voters' roll!

The recent disclosure by the IEC that 2,513 registrations have been turned down due to various irregularities should prompt all Batswana to meticulously review the voters' rolls and address concerns about rejected registrations.The disparities flagged by the IEC are troubling and emphasise the significance of rigorous voter registration processes.Out of the rejected registrations, 29 individuals were disqualified due to non-existent Omang...

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