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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The first lady of the Republic of Botswana[1][2] is the wife of the president of Botswana. The current first lady is Neo Masisi, the wife of President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
First Lady of Botswana | |
---|---|
Inaugural holder | Ruth Williams Khama |
Formation | September 30, 1966 |
The role is largely ceremonial and has no salary. President Masisi has said that his wife does not have the remit to influence government policies.[3]
There was no first lady from 1 April 2008 to 1 April 2018, as President Ian Khama was unmarried. The absence of a first lady was problematic for some official functions, and there were moves to find a substitute for some occasions.[4] President Kharma's unmarried status was controversial because of the requirements of tribal traditions.[5]
Name | Portrait | Term began | Term ended | President | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ruth Williams Khama[6][7] | ![]() |
30 September 1966 | 13 July 1980 | Seretse Khama | |
Gladys Olebile Masire[1][8] | ![]() |
13 July 1980 | 31 March 1998 | Quett Masire | |
Barbara Mogae[9] | 1 April 1998 | 1 April 2008 | Festus Mogae | ||
Vacant | 1 April 2008 | 1 April 2018 | Ian Khama | President Ian Khama never married.[5] | |
Neo Masisi | ![]() |
1 April 2018 | - | Mokgweetsi Masisi | |