OP insists no overreach as President’s son welcomes investors
Sharon Mathala | Monday August 25, 2025 10:38
The images, widely shared on social media, immediately ignited debate about the possible entanglement of the President’s family in the running of government. Many questioned whether the appearance of the President’s son at such an engagement signals the blurring of lines between official government engagements and family affairs.
Responding to Mmegi Online enquiries, the Office of the President (OP) stressed that Tau holds no assigned or official role within government and was not acting in an executive capacity.
“The Ministry was fully aware that Tau would form part of the delegation,” the OP stated.
Asked to explain further, the Press Secretary to the President, Emang Bokhutlo-Mutapati, stated: “It is customary for the Qatari first family to associate with their family counterparts, and Tau was one of those selected as a matter of customary gesture.”
The OP further dismissed any suggestion that Tau’s presence represented an intrusion into government business.
“Not at all, the First Family is occasionally invited to grace events and join other delegates, and this interaction does not in any way interfere with government operations. The visit is quasi-official and does not affect strict protocols,” the Office maintained.
In a video posted on his official Facebook page, President Duma Boko, however, seems to suggest that indeed Tau had been sent by him to engage the investors.
“We have had conversations, although we haven’t physically met, but I had sent a few emissaries that you have met, one of whom is close to you and close to me, a young man,” Boko stated.
According to the government, the investors, members of Qatar's ruling family, His Excellency Sheikh Mansour Bin Jabor Bin Jassim AI Thani, were in Botswana following a series of virtual engagements.
“Discussions will focus on strategic opportunities in diamond beneficiation, agriculture, high-end infrastructure, and other priority areas. During their stay, the delegation will engage with relevant government ministries and parastatal organisations to identify potential projects and partnerships,” the government stated.
Bokhutlo-Mutapati further added: ' It's for that reason that he does not work for the State that Tau was excluded from all official meetings starting with the courtesy call and the ongoing meetings.'
While there is clarification from OP, social media commentators note that the optics may still prove politically costly. Critics argue that in a country long wary of perceived family capture of the State, such images could reinforce suspicions that access to power is becoming personalised under Boko’s leadership.