Source: VP Mohadi charms Botswana media – herald
Mashudu Netsianda recently in GABORONE, Botswana
VICE President Kembo Mohadi charmed members of the Botswana media on Saturday when he effortlessly switched to fluent Setswana in interviews held on the sidelines of the burial of former Botswana President, Festus Mogae, in Gaborone.
Journalists who had gathered at Phomolong Memorial Park were impressed as VP Mohadi responded to questions in polished Setswana, drawing smiles and admiration from 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 quite a number of 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.
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.
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