Botswana’s new President, Duma Boko, has appointed Ndaba Gaolathe as his Vice President designate, marking a significant move in the country’s political landscape.
Gaolathe, 52, who serves as Boko’s deputy within the coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), is also the president of the Alliance for Progressives (AP), an influential party within the coalition.
This decision underscores Boko’s commitment to unity within the UDC as he begins his presidency, with a focus on cooperation among the allied political factions.
Gaolathe’s appointment follows his recent victory in the Gaborone Bonnington North parliamentary race, where he reclaimed the seat from Christian Greef of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
Gaolathe had previously held the seat until 2019, when he was unseated by Greef.
His return to Parliament strengthens the UDC’s position and brings added influence to the AP, which now holds a critical role in shaping the new administration’s policies.
The victory was seen as a strong signal of public confidence in Gaolathe’s leadership and vision for Botswana’s future.
“He has a way of calming me and everyone else around him. He has the calm effect,” President Boko said during the official announcement at the government handover ceremony.
Boko’s remarks highlight Gaolathe’s reputation for composed and steady leadership, a quality seen as valuable in the coalition’s efforts to maintain stability and focus on national development.
With Gaolathe as Vice President, the UDC leadership signals its intent to govern with a balanced, inclusive approach that draws from the strengths of both major coalition partners.
