Quett Masire
Quett Masire | |
|---|---|
Masire in 1980 | |
| 2nd President of Botswana | |
| In office 13 July 1980 – 31 March 1998 Acting to 18 July 1980 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Ketumile Quett Joni Masire 23 July 1925 Kanye, Bechuanaland Protectorate |
| Died | 22 June 2017 (aged 91) Gaborone, Botswana |
| Nationality | Botswana |
| Political party | Botswana Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Gladys Olebile Masire (m. 1958) |
| Children | 6 |
| Alma mater | Bangwaketse Reserve |
| Profession | Teacher |
Ketumile Quett Joni Masire, GCMG (23 July 1925 – 22 June 2017), was the second and longest-serving president of Botswana, in office from 1980 to 1998. He was given an honorary knighthood of the Grand Cross of Saint Michael and Saint George by Queen Elizabeth II (GCMG) in 1991.
He was a leading figure in the independence movement and then the new government, and played a crucial role in facilitating and protecting Botswana's steady financial growth and development. He stepped down in 1998 and was succeeded by Vice-President Festus Mogae, who became the third president of Botswana.