South African President Ramaphosa to be chief guest at R-Day parade: Report

November 15, 2018 08:07

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at the Republic Day event next year, sources have told The Indian Express.

Ramaphosa, who became South Africas President in February this year, has accepted the invitation. His acceptance comes after the fiasco over US President Donald Trump declining the Indian governments invitation to be the chief guest.

While diplomatic channels had reached out to the US President, the White House said he was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.

Sources said the US Presidents State of the Union address would be around the same time, so his administration could not confirm Trumps availability, especially since the Democrats have a decisive say in fixing the date.

Ramaphosa, who was Nelson Mandelas choice for future president of South Africa, is a keen Gandhi follower.

In April this year, Ramaphosa led nearly 5,000 people at the annual Gandhi Walk in Lenasia, an Indian township south of Johannesburg, seeking to promote community awareness and fitness. This was the first time that a sitting head of the state joined the walk, now in its 33rd consecutive edition.

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