BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane will attend Duma Boko’s inauguration as President of Botswana

8 November 2024

Build One South Africa (BOSA) Leader, Mmusi Maimane MP, will today attend the inauguration of Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Leader Duma Boko, as he becomes president of Botswana.

Maimane has worked alongside Duma Boko for many years in the South African Partnership for Democratic Change—a coalition of SADC opposition leaders committed to strengthening democracy in the region. Maimane said that the election outcome not only marks a transformative chapter for Botswana but also resonates across the SADC region as a beacon of hope.

Botswana’s choice to embrace change comes on the heels of Zambia’s election of Hakainde Hichilema in 2021, a sign of an encouraging trend across Southern Africa. The voice of the people in Botswana signals a powerful warning to liberation parties that have evolved into authoritarian regimes: democratic governance and accountability cannot be taken for granted, and the people will not be silenced.

BOSA recognizes that democracy is not solely about elections but about empowering citizens, building robust institutions, and ensuring transparency and accountability. As Botswana embarks on this new journey, we stand in solidarity with its citizens and newly elected leaders as they work towards the shared ideals of equality, progress, and opportunity for all.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with Botswana’s leadership to strengthen democracy across the region and are confident that Mr. Boko, as expected, will lead Botswana with the integrity and commitment it deserves.

Issued by Roger Solomons, BOSA Acting Spokesperson, 8 November 2024