Mokgweetsi Masisi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mokgweetsi Masisi
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Masisi in 2023
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| 5th President of Botswana | |
| In office 1 April 2018 – 1 November 2024 |
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| Vice President | Slumber Tsogwane |
| Preceded by | Ian Khama |
| Succeeded by | Duma Boko |
| Chairman of the Botswana Democratic Party | |
| In office 1 April 2017 – 4 April 2018 |
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| Preceded by | Ian Khama |
| Succeeded by | Slumber Tsogwane |
| 8th Vice President of Botswana | |
| In office 12 November 2014 – 1 April 2018 |
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| President | Ian Khama |
| Preceded by | Ponatshego Kedikilwe |
| Succeeded by | Slumber Tsogwane |
| Member of Parliament for Moshupa / Manyana |
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| In office 2009 – 1 April 2018 |
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| President | Ian Khama |
| Preceded by | Maitlhoko Mooka |
| Succeeded by | Karabo Gare |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi
21 July 1961 Moshupa, Bechuanaland (now Botswana) |
| Political party | Botswana Democratic Party |
| Spouse |
Neo Maswabi
(m. 2002) |
| Children | 1 |
| Alma mater | University of Botswana Florida State University |
| Occupation |
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| Profession | Teacher |
| Nickname | Sisiboy |
Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi (born 21 July 1961) is a politician from Botswana. He was the fifth president of Botswana from 2018 to 2024. Before becoming president, he served as the eighth vice president of Botswana from 2014 to 2018. He was also a Member of Parliament for the Moshupa-Manyana area from 2009 to 2018.
Masisi first had a good relationship with former President Ian Khama, who chose him as Vice President. Later, they disagreed on some issues, like the ban on elephant hunting. Masisi's government managed the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Early Life and Education
Mokgweetsi Masisi is the son of Edison Masisi (1921–2003), who was a Member of Parliament (MP) for a long time. Mokgweetsi grew up in Gaborone, Botswana's capital city. He went to Thornhill Primary School and Maru-a-Pula School. One of his brothers, Tshelang, was also an MP.
When he was in school, Masisi played soccer and tennis. He also enjoyed acting. In 1984, he was praised for his role in a play called Cry the Beloved Country. He even acted in some South African films.
In the 1980s, Masisi became a high school social studies teacher. He graduated from the University of Botswana in 1984 with degrees in English and History. He taught at Mmanaana Secondary School before working at the University of Botswana in 1987.
In 1989, he went to Florida State University in the United States. There, he earned a Master's degree in social sciences education. After finishing his studies, he worked for UNICEF in Botswana, helping with important projects.
Political Career
Mokgweetsi Masisi first tried to become a Member of Parliament (MP) in 2004 but was not successful. However, he won the election for the Moshupa area in 2009. After that, he was quickly made Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration in October 2009.
In January 2011, he became the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration. In April 2014, he also served as the acting Minister of Education and Skills Development. He was re-elected as an MP in October 2014 and then officially became the Minister of Education and Skills Development.
On 12 November 2014, President Ian Khama chose Masisi to be the Vice President of Botswana. He continued to serve as the Minister of Education at the same time. On 5 July 2017, President Khama also appointed Masisi as the Chancellor of the University of Botswana. This role is like being the head of the university.
President of Botswana (2018–2024)
On 1 April 2018, Mokgweetsi Masisi became the fifth President of Botswana. After he became president, his predecessor, Ian Khama, left the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Khama disagreed with Masisi's decision to lift the ban on elephant hunting.
In October 2018, the University of Botswana gave Masisi an honorary doctorate. This is a special award given to people who have achieved a lot.
Economic Plans
Masisi's government wanted to make Botswana's economy stronger and less dependent on diamonds. Diamonds are a very important export for Botswana. His government aimed to encourage new businesses and different types of industries.
The country faced economic challenges, including a high youth unemployment rate. Masisi's government worked on plans to deal with these issues.
2019 Elections
In October 2019, Masisi was re-elected as president. His party, the BDP, won the election despite some challenges. In the 2019 Botswana general election, Masisi received more than 52% of the votes. This meant his party also won most of the seats in the National Assembly.
Some opposition parties claimed there were problems with the election. However, the High Court ruled against these claims. International observers, including the African Union Election Observation Mission, said the elections were fair and transparent. They met international standards.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response (2020–2022)
The COVID-19 pandemic in Botswana happened during Masisi's time as president. To deal with the health crisis, he declared a state of emergency on 31 March 2020. This allowed his government to make quick decisions to control the spread of the virus.
The state of emergency lasted for about 18 months, until September 2021. During this time, the government put in place measures like curfews to keep people safe. In December 2020, Botswana found a new strain of the virus, which led to a curfew over the holidays. Masisi decided not to extend the state of emergency after September 2021, ending the special rules.
On 3 January 2022, it was announced that Masisi had tested positive for COVID-19 and was in self-isolation. While he was in isolation, Vice-President Slumber Tsogwane took over his duties.
2024 Elections
In the 2024 general elections, the Botswana Democratic Party lost its majority in the National Assembly. This was the first time this had happened in Botswana's history. Masisi accepted the election results on November 1, and there was a peaceful change of power. Duma Boko became the new president.
Political Views
Masisi supports elephant hunting in Botswana. He believes that allowing some ivory trading could help fund conservation efforts. In 2019, he reversed the ban on elephant hunting that his predecessor had put in place. He also changed Botswana's "Shoot to Kill" policy against poaching.
Personal Life
In 2002, Masisi married Neo Maswabi. She is an accountant who worked for the United Nations in New York and Ethiopia. They have one daughter.
Masisi is a fan of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights American football team. In September 2018, he and his family went to watch a Rutgers game in New Jersey, United States.
People in Botswana sometimes call Masisi "Sisiboy." This is a friendly nickname based on his family name.
Images for kids
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Masisi in 2023
