Khama relocates to Eswatini
I travel between the two countries – Khama Khama visits as a tourist- Eswatini
Former president, Ian Khama, who in November 2021 fled Botswana to Johannesburg, South Africa, has reportedly moved permanently to stay in the Kingdom of Eswatini. While the Director of Communications in King Mswati’s office, Percy Simelane, said they have no record of any assistance offered to Khama by Eswatini, it has since emerged that Khama is having a time of his life in the Kingdom.
According to various sources, Khama received a warm welcome in Eswatini. He was frequenting South Africa and Eswatini but had to ‘permanently’ relocate to the Kingdom after an alleged minor fallout with South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa.
Khama has also lately been spending more time in Eswatini than South Africa as things are no longer smooth for him, more so about the uncertainty created by South Africa going into the polls next month, which has raised doubts about the dominant African National Congress (ANC) that sympathised with him retaining power.
Khama is reported to have been offered decent accommodation and State security personnel by the King. He is reportedly currently residing in a Hotel with alternative accommodation in a house that was allegedly owned by King Mswati’s wife Inkhosikati Make LaNkambule. The house is said to be at Nkonyeni Golf Estate, an upmarket place where the richest and most elites in Eswatini have property.
Khama is said to have been allegedly allocated a chunk of land where he is expected to erect his own house. His security personnel allegedly include two security officers from Botswana and about 10 soldiers and police officers.
Khama has been seen next to the King every time during public events. He was also present during the Army Day just recently.
During the Easter holidays, Khama’s royal uncles and Bagammangwato elders visited Khama, his brothers and their families in Eswatini. This heightened the speculation that Khama was indeed relocating to a new home.
Contacted for a comment, Khama said: “I move between Eswatini and South Africa as I have been doing all along.” He was requested to state whether he had moved to Eswatini and to give reasons for that.
King Mswati’s spokesperson Percy Simelane told Mmegi that Khama does not stay in Eswatini but only visits, particularly during national events like any other tourist.