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Mokgweetsi Masisi

Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi is the fifth and current President of Botswana, serving since 2018. Previously, he was Vice President from 2014 to 2018 and a Member of Parliament for Moshupa-Manyana from 2009. Initially allied with former President Ian Khama, their relationship soured over policies like the ban on elephant hunting, leading to public disputes.

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MOKGWEETSI MASISI

Mokgweetsi Masisi, born into a politically influential family, is the son of Edison Masisi, a long-serving MP and cabinet member in Botswana. Growing up in Gaborone, Mokgweetsi attended Thornhill Primary School and Maru-a-Pula School. His family has a deep connection to public service, with one brother, Tshelang, serving as an MP for Francistown West, and another as a retired army general. Despite an early passion for sports like soccer and tennis, Masisi ultimately gravitated towards the arts, earning recognition for his acting skills in a local production of Cry the Beloved Country in 1984.

After completing his education at the University of Botswana, where he earned a degree in English and History in 1984, Masisi became a high school social studies teacher. His career in education continued to grow, and by 1987 he had transitioned to the University of Botswana as a curriculum development specialist. In pursuit of further expertise, Masisi obtained a Master's degree in social sciences education from Florida State University in 1989, after interacting with faculty members involved in Botswana’s Junior Secondary Education Improvement Project.

Masisi’s political career began with his candidacy for the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in the Moshupa constituency. Although unsuccessful in 2004, his persistence paid off when he secured the nomination in 2009, winning his parliamentary seat. This victory marked the beginning of his rise within the government, as he was promptly appointed Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration. He ascended further to become the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration in 2011 and later held the role of Minister of Education and Skills Development from 2014.

In 2014, Masisi’s political journey took a significant turn when President Ian Khama appointed him Vice President of Botswana. His leadership extended beyond government roles; in 2017, he became Chancellor of the University of Botswana following the passing of Quett Masire, the former president and chancellor. On April 1, 2018, Masisi was sworn in as Botswana’s 5th president, succeeding Khama. However, their relationship soured, and Khama left the BDP, creating a new opposition party and criticizing Masisi’s policies, including his decision to lift the ban on elephant hunting.

Masisi successfully navigated Botswana through its 2019 elections, securing re-election with over 52% of the vote. Despite facing challenges from opposition parties and accusations of authoritarianism, his leadership was endorsed by international observers as transparent and peaceful. His presidency has been shaped by significant policies, including his support for decriminalizing homosexuality and his efforts to balance wildlife conservation with community interests through policies on elephant hunting.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Masisi faced additional challenges. He declared a state of emergency in March 2020, allowing him to rule by decree for 18 months. While this decision was met with opposition, the president eventually chose not to renew the emergency powers by the end of September 2021.

Beyond his political career, Masisi has a personal side. In 2002, he married Neo Maswabi, an accountant who later worked for the United Nations. They have a daughter together. Known for his interest in sports, particularly American football, Masisi is an avid fan of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, a passion he indulged during a visit to the United States in 2018. Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mokgweetsi_Masisi

GOVERNING TIME LINE

Mokgweetsi Masisi became the fifth president of Botswana on April 1, 2018, succeeding Ian Khama. Previously the vice president, Masisi has focused on education, youth empowerment, and economic diversification. He continues to serve in office, emphasizing transparency and sustainable development for the nation.

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