Picture Courtesy : TimesLIVE
After US President Donald Trump declined the Indian governments invitation to be the chief guest t the Republic Day on 2019. It is now learnt from various media reports that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be now the chief guest at the Republic Day event next year.
Ramaphosa, who became South Africas President in February this year, has accepted the invitation.
While diplomatic channels had reached out to the US President, the White House said he was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.
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.
