…and so, on one winter morning in 2021, I set out to meet Khama with only one agenda in mind – to suggest that he consider self-imposed exile. Khama’s situation was incredibly difficult, marked by harassment and persecution from Mokgweetsi Masisi and Peter Fana Magosi.
Since the eve of the 2019 general elections, both Masisi and Magosi had engaged in an unrelenting lawfare campaign of bitter-end proportions against their respective predecessors. As the pursuit of Isaac Kgosi began losing traction—with public confidence waning due to a plethora of charges yet no convictions—it appeared that a new, secondary objective was emerging: to incarcerate SKI at all costs. On the horizon loomed another set of concocted charges, this time relating to innocent firearms.
Khama’s initial reaction was to reject the idea outright, suggesting that it would appear as though he was running away from something. Rarely does Khama betray his emotions, but on that fateful day, something gave.
I recognized the emotional weight of suggesting exile to someone who had spent his life in public service and leadership. Still, I pressed ahead, balancing my concern for his well-being with an understanding of the personal sacrifice such a move would entail. The deep implications of exile were not lost on him.
Khama saw exile not just as a personal decision but as something that could be interpreted as a sign of weakness, or even an admission of defeat—or guilt. Inwardly, I sensed that he perceived self-imposed exile as something that would undermine his legacy. Stepping away from the political arena, the Bogosi, his philanthropic endeavors, farming, and family wasn’t an option—at least not then.
Noting his concerns, I reframed the idea, emphasizing safety and presenting it as an opportunity to devise a long-term strategy away from the constant barrage of noise. Masisi and Magosi had likely never considered the long-term consequences of jailing Khama over trivial matters, let alone the potential of destabilizing the serenity of the country. I shifted the conversation to focus on protecting not just him, but the stability of his people and the nation—making it much more than just a personal decision.
Two days later, Khama requested an audience with me at Presidents Drive. There, he admitted he was facing pressure from multiple sources urging him to relocate temporarily while a lasting solution to the political persecution was sought. By his own admission, there were concerns, including international ones, but he insisted he was going to remain in the country.
Having someone you can trust can make all the difference, especially during challenging times. While Khama resisted the exhortations of those who wished for him to depart, there was one voice (name withheld) that quietly whispered he should reconsider his stance.
By early November, Khama’s confidante convinced him that his continued stay in Botswana posed a grave danger—even to his life. It pleased me to hear that on November 8th, 2021, Khama left for the Republic of South Africa, having planned quietly and exited Botswana legally with a Covid-19 certificate, all without Masisi’s administration knowing until the very day he left.
Around January 10th, 2022, I paid Khama a courtesy call at a plush Johannesburg suburb, where he regaled me with a blow-by-blow account of his departure. It wasn’t a Houdini-style escape. He literally strolled through the border, exposing the nakedness of Botswana’s national security apparatus.
I think I should write a book!
