Fury after Boko hammers SA

INVESTMENT: BOTSWANA LEADER SLAMS NEIGHBOUR INSTEAD OF SELLING HIS COUNTRY

- Brian Sokutu

Botswana President Duma Boko missed an opportunity to sell his country to investors at the World Economic Forum and, instead, attacked South Africa, experts say. They also criticised Gauteng MEC for finance and economic development Lebogang Maile for calling out Boko on social media, where he said Boko "must go for a diplomatic training".

"I listened to the President of Botswana yesterday in Davos attacking our country on safety. He must go for a diplomatic training," tweeted Maile.

Maile was referring to remarks attributed to Boko at the WEF taking place in Davos, Switzerland, also attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa and other heads of state, captains of the industry and investors.

Commenting on the Maile tweet, spokesperson in the Presidency Vincent Magwenya, said Ramaphosa "had a very productive meeting with President Boko in Davos".

"We, as the Presidency, did not directly hear President Boko deliver such remarks.

"If true, it will be unfortunate.

"However, if there is a matter to be resolved between South Africa and Botswana, it is best left to established diplomatic channels and protocols to manage it.