Quett Masire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Quett Masire
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Masire in 1984
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| 2nd President of Botswana | |
| In office 13 July 1980 – 31 March 1998 Acting to 18 July 1980 |
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| Vice President | Lenyeletse Seretse Peter Mmusi Festus Mogae |
| Preceded by | Seretse Khama |
| Succeeded by | Festus Mogae |
| 1st Vice-President of Botswana | |
| In office 30 September 1966 – 13 July 1980 |
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| President | Seretse Khama |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Lenyeletse Seretse |
| 1st Vice Prime Minister of Botswana | |
| In office 3 March 1965 – 30 September 1966 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 24, 1926 Kanye, Bechuanaland |
| Died | June 22, 2017 (aged 90) Gaborone, Botswana |
| Nationality | Botswana |
| Political party | Botswana Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Olebile Masire |
| Children | 6 |
| Alma mater | Bangwaketse Reserve |
| Profession | Teacher |
Ketumile Quett Joni Masire (born July 24, 1926 – died June 22, 2017) was a very important leader in Botswana. He served as the second President of Botswana from 1980 to 1998. This made him the longest-serving president of the country.
He was a key person in helping Botswana become independent. After independence, he worked hard to make sure Botswana grew financially and developed well. In 1990, he received a special honor called the Knighthood of the Grand Cross of Saint Michael and Saint George from Queen Elizabeth II. He stepped down from his role in 1998. His Vice-President, Festus Mogae, then became the third President of Botswana.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Quett Masire was born on July 24, 1926, in Kanye, which was then called Bechuanaland. His family raised cattle. When he was young, there were not many jobs in the country. Many people had to work in mines in apartheid South Africa, where there were unfair laws.
From a young age, Masire showed he was very good at school. He finished at the top of his class at the Kanye school. This helped him win a scholarship to study more at the Tiger Kloof Educational Institute in South Africa.
Becoming a Teacher and Farmer
In 1950, after finishing his studies at Tiger Kloof, Masire helped start the Seepapitso II Secondary School. This was the first higher education school in the Bangwaketse area. He was the headmaster of this school for about six years. During this time, he had disagreements with Bathoen II, the local chief. Masire wanted schools to be more independent from the chief's control.
In 1957, Masire became a "Master Farmer." This meant he was one of the best farmers in the area. However, his success led to more problems with Chief Bathoen, who took Masire's farms.
In 1958, Masire started working as a reporter for a newspaper called African Echo/Naledi ya Botswana. He was also chosen to be part of the Bangwaketse Tribal Council. Later, he joined the African and Legislative Councils, which covered the whole country.
Masire married Gladys Olebile Masire in 1958. They had six children together.
Political Career and Leadership
In 1961, Masire helped create the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). He was very important in starting the party and became its first secretary-general.
In 1965, the Democratic Party won many seats in the new Legislative Assembly. This meant they had the right to lead Botswana to independence. Masire was elected to the National Assembly in March 1965. He then became the Deputy Prime Minister in 1966.
Serving as Vice-President
When Botswana became independent in 1966, Masire became the new nation's Vice-President. He served under President Seretse Khama. From 1967 to 1980, he also managed important government departments. He was the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Development Planning. These two roles were combined in 1971.
Masire was a main person behind Botswana's steady growth in its economy and infrastructure (like roads and buildings) between 1966 and 1980. He became known as a very skilled government official.
Presidency of Botswana
President Khama passed away on July 13, 1980. According to the country's rules, Masire automatically became the acting president.
Five days later, on July 18, 1980, Masire was officially elected as President by the National Assembly.
Focus on Development and Diplomacy
During his three full terms as president, Masire focused on developing Botswana through working with other countries and groups. He was the chairman of the Southern African Development Community. He was also the vice chairman of the Organisation of African Unity. He led the Global Coalition for Africa and was part of the UN group on Africa Development.
On August 7, 1988, Masire was flying to a meeting in Angola with his team. His plane was accidentally shot at by an Angolan Air Force jet. The plane was damaged, and Masire was hurt. However, the co-pilot managed to land the plane safely.
Life After Presidency and Legacy
After he retired in 1998, Sir Ketumile Masire worked on many diplomatic projects. He helped in countries like Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana, and Swaziland.
From 1998 to 2000, he led a group that investigated the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. From 2000 to 2003, he helped with talks to bring peace and a new government to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Sir Ketumile Masire Foundation
In 2007, Sir Ketumile Masire started the Sir Ketumile Masire Foundation. This foundation works to improve the lives of people in Botswana. It aims to promote peace and good leadership around the world. It also helps children with disabilities and supports new ideas in farming.
Masire also helped found the Global Leadership Foundation. This group supports democratic leaders and helps solve conflicts. It promotes good governance and human rights.
In May 2010, Sir Ketumile Masire led a group that observed elections in Ethiopia. In October 2010, he helped assess the elections in Nigeria.
He was also the leader of the University of Botswana from 1982 to 1998.
Death and Burial
Sir Ketumile Masire passed away on June 22, 2017, at the age of 91. He was in Bokamoso Hospital in Mmopane, Botswana, and his family was with him. He was buried on June 29, 2017, in his home village of Kanye, Botswana.
Honors and Awards
- Three Honorary Doctorates of Law (L.L.D.) from universities in the United States and the United Kingdom (1980, 1988).
- Two Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters from universities in the United States (1988, 1994).
- Africa Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger (1988).
- Grand Counsellor of the Royal Order of Sobhuza II, Swaziland (1988).
- Honorary Knighthood of the Grand Cross of Saint Michael and Saint George (GCMG), UK (1990).
- Namibia's Order of the Welwitschia (1995).
- Free Market Award from the Free Market Foundation of South Africa (2000).
- The Sir Ketumile Masire Hospital was named after him.
See also
In Spanish: Quett Masire para niños
