Will Smith’s visit rattles Govt. enclave

The arrival of American actor, rapper, film producer, Willard Carroll Smith II into the country caused friction among officials in government.

Some wanted security protocols compromised for his sake and VVIP treatment accorded for him on arrival at the international Maun airport while others would have none of that, Botswana Guardian has reliably learnt.

The 55-year-old Will Smith popularly known as “The Fresh Prince” arrived in the country last Friday aboard aircraft registration ZS-NKE, which landed at the Maun international airport just after 3pm on what is believed to be a commercial private visit.

He is reported to be on a visit mission to produce a documentary in the Okavango Delta sanctioned by Natural Selection - a local conservation-driven Safari Company boasting a portfolio of welcoming camps and one of a kind experience in Botswana and neighbouring countries.

Inside the aircraft, Smith was accompanied by eight other American citizens who are also well known professionals working closely on most of his productions. The delegation will be in the country for at least 14 days.

As this is a private visit, it is alleged that none of the respective Ministries, be it Foreign Affairs, Tourism or Botswana Embassy in Washington DC, were aware of Smith’s trip until when he was already on his way.

Sources told Botswana Guardian that even the Ministry of Tourism had to inquire with the Embassy in Washington, but the response from DC was that they too became aware just on the day that he had already left for Botswana on Thursday.

However, at the time of going to press, officials of the Tourism Ministry were planning to appreciate his presence by paying a courtesy call on him (Smith) and his delegation.

Botswana Guardian investigation found out that while his aircraft was still on air, an email was allegedly sent from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Gaborone to Maun requesting that Smith and his delegation be accorded special treatment.

To all in the know, and despite being done in good faith, the request was improper as its interpretation simply meant that if the security officials were to succumb, then Botswana will have compromised the international and set security protocols governing all travellers passing through airports. The letter was simply requesting that both Immigration and Customs Officers allow the facilitation of the American delegation inside the terminal, whilst the delegation go straight and, or transfer to Air Mack aircraft which was to take them to their final destination camp in the Delta.

The reasons advanced by the author for requesting the law to be compromised was that currently the airport -which is still under construction does not have a VIP lounge. The author argues that given his popularity, and for security reasons it may not be easy to control the crowd that wants to have a glimpse of Will Smith. However, the request was vehemently opposed by the law enforcement officers who allegedly made it clear that agreeing to that kind of request will not only compromise the law, but could equally earn the country suspension by international organisations, as they will deem both Botswana and her space a danger for all.

In their response, the airport personnel allegedly said agreeing to the request will be a breach of airport control protocols governing airports. Stating that only the Heads of State and Government are allowed to pass through without being screened as it is common knowledge that they are always under protection.

However, realising that law enforcements units were correct in their interpretation, all agreed with the security official’s proposal that the only compromise allowed in terms of all stipulated airport protocols is to let the delegation use a different door which will lead them to the screening point.

Botswana Guardian has learnt that there is one Specially nominated Councillor (name withheld) based in Maun who claims to be “Mr Know All” and is fond of not only harassing the airport personalities, but civil servants and those with authority to act in such situations.

It is reported that the Councillor always want everything to be done his way even when it means compromising the stipulated procedures. It is said that on this particular matter- he exchanged words and attempted to override decisions made by the respective offices.

However, so far everything is going smoothly as evidenced by video clips circulating on social media where Will Smith was telling his tour guide that he wants to ride an elephant.

Although they differed in terms of compromising the law, all officials in the government enclave agree that the visit to Botswana and the Delta by world acclaimed personalities like Smith stands to market the country.

Will Smith counts among the world’s leading actors and musicians. He has received multiple accolades, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award and four Grammy Awards. As of 2023, his films have grossed over $9.3 billion globally making him one of Hollywood's most bankable stars.

Smith began his acting career starring as a fictionalised version of himself on the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990–1996). He first gained recognition as part of a hip hop duo with DJ Jazzy Jeff, with whom he released five studio albums and the US Billboard Hot 100 top 20 singles from 1984 to 1994.

He released the solo albums Big Willie Style (1997), Willennium (1999), Born to Reign (2002), and Lost and Found (2005), which contained the US number-one singles, Gettin' Jiggy wit It' and 'Wild Wild West.' He has received four Grammy Awards for his rap performances. Smith achieved wider fame as a leading man in films such as the action film Bad Boys (1995), its sequels Bad Boys II (2003) and Bad Boys for Life (2020), and the sci-fi comedies Men in Black (1997), Men in Black II (2002), and Men in Black 3 (2012).

After starring in the thrillers Independence Day (1996) and Enemy of the State (1998), he received Academy Award for Best Actor nominations for his portrayal of Muhammad Ali in Ali (2001). It remains to be seen what will come out of his first time Okavango Delta excursion.