2018: The year that forced Khama to learn to Tweet

The year 2018 gave former president Ian Khama a serious culture shock. All his adult life, he has been a ‘Morena’ – a highly revered Setswana title meaning ‘Lord’, used to express utmost respect for a man with power. In April 2018, Khama relinquished state power when he stepped down as President, as per the constitutional requirement. His ‘Morena’ status quickly faded away.

Before April 2018, Khama alone wielded much power in Botswana. He was the President, Commander in Chief who had been the top soldier in the army, kingmaker for the next president, close friends with an untouchable spy chief, Kgosikgolo of an influential tribe, son of a revered founding president, and a bachelor answerable to no one.