[1] The foundation for this relationship dates back to the establishment of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) in 1910.

[2] In 1985 South Africa launched a military operation to Gaborone, attacking African National Congress targets in Botswana.

He said, "Obviously, we can't prohibit the West from imposing sanctions on South Africa, and we welcome every form of pressure on the apartheid regime.

During the presidencies of Jacob Zuma and Ian Khama, relations declined due to differences over African Union appointments, South Africa's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court and Zimbabwe.

[8] In November 2008, the Presidents of both countries agreed to work together to resolve the crisis in Zimbabwe following its presidential election.