Biography
Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, born on 21 July 1961 in Mosopa, Botswana, is a prominent politician who served as the fifth President of Botswana from 1 April 2018 to 1 November 2024.
Before his presidency, he was the eighth Vice President of Botswana from 12 November 2014 to 1 April 2018 and represented the Moshupa-Manyana constituency in the National Assembly from 2009 to 2018. Initially having a strong relationship with his predecessor Ian Khama, who appointed him Vice President, their alliance later soured, especially due to the disagreements over policies such as the ban on elephant hunting.
Masisi’s administration faced accusations of electoral fraud in the 2019 election, although an African Union observer mission confirmed the election was transparent and in accordance with international standards . His tenure also involved managing Botswana’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he ruled by decree for a period, causing much criticism and sparking protests. objections from the opposition.
An advocate of education, Masisi studied English and History at school University of Botswana and earned a Master’s degree in social science education from Florida State University. Before joining politics, he worked as a social studies teacher in high school and for UNICEF. In addition to politics, Masisi also has a passion for acting, gaining recognition in local theater productions and appearing in South African films.
Former President of Botswana
Mokgweetsi Masisi |
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 Mokgweetsi Masisi: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Info & About Data | |
| Real name: | Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi |
| Stage name: | Mokgweetsi Masisi |
| Born: | July 21, 1961 (63 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Mosopa, Botswana |
| Nationality: | Motswana |
| Education: | Thornhill Primary School, Gaborone Secondary School, Moeng College, University of Botswana, Florida State University |
| Height: | not applicable |
| Parents: | Edison Masisi, precious Masego Masisi |
| Siblings: | Edgar Masisi, Tshelang Masisi |
| Couple: | Neo Masisi (d. 2002) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | not applicable |
| Children: | Atsile Masisi |
| Job: | politician |
| Net worth: | 2 million USD (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Mokgweetsi Masisi was born on 21 July 1961 in Mosopa, a village in the southern district of Botswana. He belongs to the Bangwaketse tribe and was raised as a Christian.
His father, Edison Masisi, was a teacher and later an important figure in Botswana’s struggle for independence, holding many government positions, including member of parliament. His mother, Lorato Pekwane Masisi, is also a teacher. Masisi has several siblings, including an older brother, Edgar Masisi, who serves as Botswana’s ambassador to Japan. He also has a brother named Tshelang Masisi, a politician.
Masisi’s educational journey began at Thornhill Primary School in Francistown, followed by secondary education at Gaborone High School for his O levels and Moeng College for his A levels. He then studied English and History at University of Botswanaget a Bachelor’s degree. He pursued higher studies at Florida State University in the United States, earning a Master’s degree in Social Science Education.
Career
Mokgweetsi Masisi’s career spans education, international development and politics, with a notable focus on governance and leadership. He started working as a social studies teacher after completing his studies at school University of Botswana and earned a Master’s degree in Social Science Education from Florida State University. His career expanded internationally with UNICEF, where he gained expertise in child welfare and education policy.
Masisi entered politics in 2009 as the representative for the Moshupa-Manyana constituency in the National Assembly, affiliated with the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), the country’s ruling party since independence. Before becoming Vice President, he held key ministerial roles, including Assistant Secretary of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Secretary of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, and Minister of Education and Skills Development, where he focused on driving education reform.
Appointed Vice President in 2014 by then-President Ian Khama, Masisi initially worked closely with Khama but later encountered tensions, especially over controversial issues such as the ban. elephant hunting. On 1 April 2018, Masisi succeeded Khama as the fifth President of Botswana. His presidency was defined by efforts to diversify the economy, strengthen international relations, and implement important policy changes, such as lifting the ban on elephant hunting and reforming federal laws. regarding same-sex relationships.
Despite allegations of voter fraud in the 2019 election, international observers, including the African Union, have confirmed the integrity of the election. Masisi’s administration also oversaw Botswana’s COVID-19 response, which was marked by strict measures and a period of controversial regulatory decrees.
Ending his presidency on November 1, 2024, after two terms, Masisi’s post-office activities remain less widely publicized. However, his rich educational and policy background suggests he can continue to contribute to these fields.
Social Media
- Wikipedia: Mokgweetsi Masisi
- Twitter: Dr. Mokgweetsi EK Masisi (@OfficialMasisi) / X
- Instagram: President Mokgweetsi Masisi (@officialmasisi)
Personal life
Mokgweetsi Masisi is married to Neo Jane Masisi, nee Maswabi. Neo is an accountant who has worked for the United Nations in New York City and Addis Ababa. She was born in 1971 in Francistown, Botswana and is the eldest of six children of Baruki Maswabi and Irene Maswabi.
Neo has been involved in initiatives focusing on children, youth and women’s empowerment, particularly through her role as First Lady during Masisi’s presidency. Mokgweetsi Masisi was married once to Neo Maswabi in 2002. They have a daughter together named Atsile Masisi.
Net worth
Estimating Mokgweetsi Masisi’s exact net worth is challenging due to the private nature of such financial details for public figures, especially in politics. However, there are various sources that speculate about his wealth.
According to some online estimates, Mokgweetsi Masisi’s net worth is believed to be around $2 million, mainly from his long political career, including his salary as President Botswana, reported P915,817.00 per year.
It is worth noting that these figures are speculative and should be taken with caution as Masisi’s actual net worth may vary. His wealth likely includes income from his previous role as a teacher, his time working for UNICEF, and any investments or assets accumulated during his career.
