South African President Ramaphosa likely to be Chief Guest at Republic Day celebrations

Mr. Ramaphosa is also expected to participate in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which will be held in Varanasi between January 21-23, 2019.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations of 2019, an official source said here on Thursday.

Mr. Ramaphosa had hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BRICS summit held in July in Johannesburg when both sides had signed three agreements, including establishment of an academic centre on studying the legacy of non-violence in both countries.

Mr. Ramaphosa is also expected to participate in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which will be held in Varanasi between January 21-23, 2019.

The information on the South African leader came days after the United States confirmed that President

Donald Trump will not be the Chief Guest of Republic Day in India due to his pressing schedule in January.

Mr Ramaphosa became President of South Africa in February this year, and succeeded Jacob Zuma who had to leave following allegations of corruption. Mr Ramaphosa is also the current head of the African National Congress (ANC).