Online Reporter
Mashudu Netsianda, [email protected]
VICE President Kembo Mohadi charmed members of the Botswana media on Saturday when he effortlessly switched to fluent Setswana during interviews held on the sidelines of the burial ceremony of former Botswana President Festus Mogae in Gaborone.
Journalists who had gathered at Phomolong Memorial Park were left visibly impressed as VP Mohadi responded to questions in polished Setswana, drawing smiles and admiration from the local reporters.
VP Mohadi, who was representing President Mnangagwa at the State funeral, spoke warmly about the late statesman’s contribution to regional unity, democracy and economic development.
Botswana journalists, initially expecting responses in English, were stunned after VP Mohadi confidently greeted them and continued the interview in Setswana, demonstrating linguistic familiarity that resonated strongly with the local audience.
“I am surprised he (VP Mohadi) speaks Setswana very well. It shows the deep historical and cultural ties between Zimbabwe and Botswana,” remarked one journalist after the interview.
Another local journalist, Ms Roberta Akanyang, said VP Mohadi’s command of the language had left many members of the media impressed.
“The Vice-President of Zimbabwe spoke fluent Setswana. I was so charmed, including the tone, such that one could not tell whether he was Tswana or not,” she said.
VP Mohadi described the late Festus Mogae as a humble and visionary leader who championed peace, stability and regional cooperation during his tenure as Botswana’s president from 1998 to 2008.
He said the turnout of regional leaders was testimony to the late Dr Mogae’s enduring legacy, which stretched beyond Botswana’s borders.
“The late former Botswana President was given a dignified send-off and several heads of state and former heads of state attended this funeral.
“This goes to show that he was a man who lived well with other people, worked well with other people, as he is being remembered for all the good works that he has done for his country, his country and the continent at large,” he said.
“We have lost a great statesman and for some of us who knew him personally, we have lost a mentor.”
VP Mohadi said the late Dr Mogae was a respected elder statesman in the Sadc region.
The Vice President’s command of Setswana quickly became a talking point among members of the local media covering the solemn occasion, with many praising his ability to connect with ordinary Batswana in their native language.
Zimbabwe and Botswana share deep bilateral ties rooted in shared history, culture and economic cooperation. Communities living along the two countries’ border areas, especially in Matabeleland South districts such as Bulilima, Mangwe, Gwanda and Beitbridge, have for decades maintained close linguistic, cultural and family connections, particularly among Kalanga, Ndebele and Tswana-speaking communities in Matabeleland.
The two countries also share strong historical ties dating back to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, when many ZIPRA cadres crossed into Botswana seeking refuge, logistical support and safer transit routes to Zambia during the war.
Botswana, despite facing security threats and pressure from the Rhodesian regime at the time, became an important rear base and corridor for freedom fighters, further cementing the enduring bond between the peoples of the two neighbouring countries.
Botswana President Duma Boko recently officiated at the opening of this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), where he hailed Zimbabwe’s economic resurgence and described the country as a rising regional force whose growth was inspiring confidence across Southern Africa.
President Boko also commended the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa for steering Zimbabwe towards macro-economic stabilisation and deeper regional economic integration.
VP Mohadi had joined other regional leaders, diplomats and thousands of mourners at the emotional send-off ceremony for the late former president, whose distinguished leadership earned him admiration across Africa and beyond.
The burial ceremony was marked by sombre tributes, military honours and emotional scenes as Botswana bade farewell to one of its most respected post-independence leaders.
