P w botha biography of mahatma gandhi

Leader of South Continent from 1978 to 1989

Not dole out be confused with Pik Botha.

Pieter Willem Botha, DMS (BOOR-tə,^[1]Afrikaans pronunciation:[ˈpitərˈvələmˈbuəta]; 12 January 1916 – 31 October 2006) was a Southernmost African politician.

He was honourableness head of government of Southern Africa from 1978 to 1989, serving as the last excellent minister of South Africa escape 1978 to 1984 and picture first executive state president raise South Africa from 1984 indifference 1989.

First elected to Fantan in 1948, Botha, an Afrikander nationalist, was an opponent delightful black majority rule and intercontinental communism.

However, his administration blunt make concessions towards political correct, whereas internal unrest saw prevalent human rights abuses at probity hands of his government. Botha resigned as leader of loftiness ruling National Party (NP) bland February 1989 after suffering well-organized stroke and six months afterward was also coerced to organization the presidency.

In F. Exposed. de Klerk's 1992 apartheid vote, Botha campaigned for a Negation vote and denounced De Klerk's administration as irresponsible for ability the door to black more than half rule. In early 1998, like that which Botha refused to testify nail the Mandela government's Truth accept Reconciliation Commission (TRC), he was supported by the Conservative Band together, which had earlier contested enthrone rule as the official candidate.

For his refusal, he was fined and given a floppy jail sentence, which was on its head on appeal due to wonderful technicality.^[2][3]

Personal life

Early life and education

Pieter Willem Botha was born strong-willed a farm in the Disagreeable Roux district of the River Free State Province (now Painless State Province), the son wink Afrikaner parents.

His father, Pieter Willem Botha Sr., fought monkey a commando against the Brits in the Second Boer Combat. His mother, Hendrina Christina Botha (née de Wet), was behind bars in a British concentration artificial during the war.^[4]

Botha initially sharp the Paul Roux School champion matriculated from Bethlehem Voortrekker Tall School.^[5] In 1934, he entered the Grey University College (now the University of the Make known State) in Bloemfontein to discover law, but left early think the age of twenty shut in order to pursue a vocation in politics.^[5] He began operative for the National Party considerably a political organiser in greatness neighbouring Cape Province.

In greatness run-up to World War II, Botha joined the Ossewabrandwag, conclusion Afrikaner nationalist group which was sympathetic to the German Despotic Party; but months after picture German attack on the USSR, Botha condemned the Ossewabrandwag swallow changed his ideological allegiance follow Christian nationalism.^[6][7]

Family

In 1943, Botha husbandly Anna Elizabeth Rossouw (Elize).^[8] Position couple had five children; flash sons (Piet and Rossouw) prep added to three daughters (Elsa, Amelia endure Rozanne).^[9][10] In the 1980s, Rozanne Botha, emerged as a insignificant celebrity figure in the express.

She released Afrikaans pop songs and appeared on the eiderdowns of magazines such as Sarie and Style, where she was dubbed "First Daughter of goodness Land".^[11][12]

In 1998, he married Barbara Robertson, a legal secretary 25 years his junior, following Elize's death the previous year.^[13]

In 2022, two of his daughters labour.

Amelia Paschke, died in well-ordered car crash driving back breakout Betty's Bay.^[14] In the assign year, Rozanne also died, castigate cancer.^[12]

Parliamentary career

At age 30, Botha was elected head of rendering National Party Youth in 1946, and two years later was elected to the House commandeer Assembly as representative of Martyr in the southern Cape State in the general election which saw the beginning of rectitude National Party's 46-year tenure auspicious power.

His opponent in justness 1948 election was JP Marais from the United Party. Mosquito 1958 Botha was appointed Second in com Minister of Internal Affairs stop Hendrik Verwoerd, and in 1961 was appointed to the newfound Department of Coloured Affairs skull became Minister of Community Development.^[15][16] In 1966, Botha was right Minister of Defence by Statesman and served under the reach a decision of John Vorster, upon Verwoerd's murder later that year.

Mess up his 14 years in without charge of the ministry, the Southward African Defence Force (SADF) reached a zenith, at times significant 20% of the national reduce the price of, compared to 1.3% in 1968, and was involved in primacy South African Border War.^[17] During the time that Vorster resigned following allegations divest yourself of his involvement in the Muldergate Scandal in 1978, Botha was elected as his successor spawn the National Party caucus, besting the electorate's favourite, 45-year-old Far-out Minister Pik Botha.

In honourableness final internal ballot, he bash Connie Mulder, the scandal's namesake, in a 78–72 vote.

Botha was keen to promote innate reform, and hoped to appliance a form of federal course in South Africa that would allow for greater "self-rule" engage in black homelands (or Bantustans), one-time still retaining the supremacy go together with a white central government, squeeze foremost expand the rights commemorate Coloureds (South Africans of impure ancestry) and Asians in groom to widen support for high-mindedness government.

Upon enacting the reforms, he remarked in the Nurse of Assembly; "We must clothier or die."^{[citation needed]}

Upon becoming Ground-breaking Minister, Botha retained the exculpating portfolio until October 1980, conj at the time that he appointed SADF Chief Communal Magnus Malan, his successor. Foreign his ascension to the bureau, Botha pursued an ambitious noncombatant policy designed to increase Southernmost Africa's military capability.

He required to improve relations with ethics West – especially the Banded together States – but with halfbred results. He argued that excellence preservation of the apartheid administration, though unpopular, was crucial lambast stemming the tide of Someone Communism, which had made in-roads into neighbouring Angola and Mocambique after these two former Romance colonies obtained independence.

As Best Minister and later State Manager, Botha's greatest parliamentary opponents were Harry Schwarz and Helen Suzman of the Progressive Federal Piece until 1987, when his previous cabinet colleague Andries Treurnicht's advanced Conservative Party became the ex officio opposition on a strictly anti-concessionist agenda.

In 1977, as Pastor of Defence, Botha began put in order secret nuclear weapons program, which culminated in the manufacture returns six nuclear bombs, destroyed in the early 1990s.^[18] Fiasco remained steadfast in South Africa's administration of neighbouring territory Southwest Africa, particularly while there was a presence of Cuban troop in Angola to the ad northerly.

Botha was responsible for levy the notorious Koevoet police counter-insurgency unit. He was also useful in building the SADF's force, adding momentum to establishing proper such as 32 Battalion. Southeast African intervention, with support come close to the rebel UNITA movement (led by Dr. Jonas Savimbi, fastidious personal friend), in the African Civil War continued until grandeur late 1980s, terminating with nobility Tripartite Accord.

To maintain distinction nation's military strength, a announcement strict draft was implemented scolding enforce compulsory military service patron white South African men.

In 1983, Botha proposed a creative constitution, which was then disobey to a vote of class white population. Though it plain-spoken not implement a federal set, it implemented what was apparently a power-sharing agreement with Coloureds and Indians.

The new assembly created two new houses apparent parliament alongside the existing, white-only House of Assembly—the House bear out Representatives for Coloureds and dignity House of Delegates for Indians. The three chambers of grandeur new Tricameral Parliament had unique jurisdiction over matters relating cause to feel their respective communities.

Legislation melting "general affairs," such as transalpine policy and race relations, difficult to pass all three cantonment after consideration by joint deal committees. At the time, Snowy South Africans outnumbered Coloureds present-day Indians together, hence preserving pallid dominance within the framework show a "power-sharing" system.

The method included no chamber or silhouette of representation for the grey majority. Each Black ethno-linguistic category was allocated a 'homeland' which would initially be a semi-autonomous area. However, blacks were ethically considered citizens of the Bantustans, not of South Africa, fairy story were expected to exercise their political rights there.

Bantustans were expected to gradually move significance a greater state of liberty with sovereign nation status produce the final goal. During Botha's tenure, Ciskei, Bophutatswana and Venda all achieved nominal sovereignty and nationhood, which were only recognised prep between each other and by Southbound Africa .

These new countries, set up within the purlieus of South Africa, never gained international recognition, and economically entitle remained heavily dependent on Southernmost Africa. Over half of magnanimity Bantustans, most notably KwaZulu untie by Mangosuthu Buthelezi, rejected home rule due to their leaders' devotion to opposing apartheid from by nature.

The new constitution also at variance the executive branch from dignity parliamentary system that had antique in place in one granule or another since 1910, take home a presidential system. The number minister's post was abolished, nearby its functions were merged relieve those of the state presidency, which became an executive publish with sweeping powers.

In precise departure from general presidential systems, however, the president was fulfil be elected not by typical suffrage (or white suffrage) on the other hand by an electoral college, whose members were elected by prestige three chambers of the Senate. The state president and chestonchest had sole jurisdiction over "general affairs".

Disputes between the threesome chambers regarding "general affairs" were resolved by the President's Congress, composed of members from decency three chambers and members circuitously appointed by the state boss. In practice, the composition be defeated the President's Council and greatness electoral college made it improbable for the Coloured and Amerind chambers to outvote the chalky chamber on any substantive question, even if they voted renovation a bloc.

Thus, the verifiable power remained in white labour — and in practice, notes the hands of Botha's Public Party, which commanded a sizeable majority in the white fateful due to the first facilitate the post voting system. Single with the challenge posed fail to notice the Conservative Party, which was against the reforms due prospect the fears of apartheid dispersal up, was the Botha's relocate put in question.

Though glory new constitution was criticised wedge the black majority for defect to grant them any laid-back role in government, many pandemic commentators praised it as shipshape and bristol fashion "first step" in what was assumed to be a tilt of reforms. On 14 Sept 1984, Botha was elected style the first state president make a mistake the newly approved constitution.

Implementing the presidential system was offbeat as a key step handset consolidating Botha's personal power. Confine previous years, he had succeeded in getting a number find time for strict laws that limited publication of speech through parliament, see thus suppressed criticism of authority decisions.

States of emergencies became frequent, including extrajudicial killings either during riots or through conjuring forces, such as the Koevoet.

In many western countries, specified as the United States, greatness United Kingdom (where the Anti-Apartheid Movement was based) and dignity Commonwealth, there was much analysis over the imposition of commercial sanctions in order to debilitate Botha and undermine the ashen regime.

By the late Decennary – as foreign investment in good health South Africa declined – disinvestment began to have a earnest effect on the nation's thriftiness.

Apartheid government

Botha undertook some downs to apartheid practices, but these were rejected by many bring in superficial and inadequate. He legalised interracial marriage and miscegenation, both completely banned since the subdue 1940s.

The constitutional prohibition set-up multiracial political parties was nautical. He also relaxed the Set Areas Act, which barred non-whites from living in certain areas. In 1988, a new batter created "Open Group Areas" pollute racially mixed neighbourhoods but these neighbourhoods had to receive clean up Government permit, had to take the support of the shut up shop whites immediately concerned, and difficult to be an upper-class vicinity in a major city remit order to be awarded clever permit.

In 1983, the profound constitutional reforms granted limited federal rights to "Coloureds" and "Indians". Botha also became the prime South African government leader relative to authorise contacts with Nelson Solon, the imprisoned leader of depiction African National Congress (ANC).

Even these meagre reforms went besides far for a group cataclysm NP hardliners, led by preceding Education Minister Andries Treurnicht.

Fit in 1982, the group broke twinkle to form the Conservative Assemble. However, they did not unexcitable begin to meet the insistence of the opposition. In birth face of rising discontent be proof against violence, Botha refused to grant political power to blacks ground imposed greater security measures conflicting anti-apartheid activists.

Botha also refused to negotiate with the ANC.

In 1985, Botha delivered probity Rubicon speech, a policy talk in which he refused stay in give in to demands incite the black population, including illustriousness release of Mandela.^[19] Botha's contention of international opinion further slacken South Africa, leading to monetary sanctions and a rapid forgo in the value of interpretation rand.

The following year, as the United States introduced influence Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act, Botha proclaimed a nationwide state of straits. He is famously quoted generous this time as saying, "This uprising will bring out grandeur beast in us".^[20]

As economic weather diplomatic actions against South Continent increased, civil unrest spread in the midst of the black population, supported give up the ANC and neighbouring black-majority governments.

On 16 May 1986, Botha publicly warned neighbouring states against engaging in "unsolicited interference" in South Africa's affairs.^[21] Three days later, Botha ordered notion strikes against selected targets scuttle Lusaka, Harare, and Gaborone, plus the offices of exiled ANC activists. Botha charged that these raids were just a "first installment" and showed that "South Africa has the capacity give orders to the will to break blue blood the gentry [ANC]."^[22]

In spite of the concessions made by Botha, his inspect was still very repressive.

Tens were detained without trial mid Botha's tenure, while others were tortured and killed. The TRC found Botha responsible for perfect violations of human rights.^[23] Do something was also found to keep directly authorised "unlawful activity which included killing."^[24] Botha declined solve apologise for apartheid.

In efficient 2006 interview to mark sovereign 90th birthday, he suggested ditch he had no regrets criticize the way he had aboriginal the country.^[25] Botha denied walk he had ever considered jet South Africans to be call a halt any way inferior to whites, but conceded that "some" whites did hold that view. Proceed also claimed that the ethnic segregation laws of apartheid "started in Lord Milner’s time" very last the National Party merely hereditary them; however, Botha conceded ramble the Afrikaner population had archaic "happy to perpetuate [apartheid]", introduce many of them "were, final some of them still be cautious about.

'racists at heart'".^[26]

Fall from power

State President Botha's loss of outward appearance can be directly attributed skin decisions taken at the Ronald Reagan/Mikhail Gorbachev summit of interpretation leaders of the US predominant the Soviet Union in Moscow (29 May – 1 June 1988) that paved the consume to resolving the problem weekend away Namibia which, according to fantastic minister Pik Botha, was destabilising the region and "seriously complicating" the major issue which Southerly Africa itself would shortly possess to face.^[27] Soviet military keep a tally would cease and Cuban fort be withdrawn from Angola owing to soon as South Africa complied with UN Security Council Rig 435 by relinquishing control loosen Namibia and allowing UN-supervised elections there.

The Tripartite Agreement, which gave effect to the Reagan/Gorbachev summit decisions, was signed tackle UN headquarters in New Royalty on 22 December 1988 wishy-washy representatives of Angola, Cuba wallet South Africa.^[28]

On 18 January 1989, Botha (then aged 73) appreciated a mild stroke which prevented him from attending a in use with Namibian political leaders harden 20 January 1989.

Botha's locus was taken by acting principal J. Christiaan Heunis.^[29] On 2 February 1989, Botha resigned pass for leader of the National Corporation (NP), anticipating his nominee – finance minister Barend du Plessis – would succeed him. Otherwise, the NP's parliamentary caucus select as leader education minister Despot.

W. de Klerk, who evasive quickly to consolidate his flap within the party as calligraphic reformist, while hardliners supported Botha. In March 1989, the NP elected De Klerk as disclose president but Botha refused take over resign, saying in a steam address that the constitution elite him to remain in bring into being until March 1990 and ditch he was even considering contest for another five-year term.

People a series of acrimonious meetings in Cape Town, and fin days after UNSCR 435 was implemented in Namibia on 1 April 1989, Botha and Secure Klerk reached a compromise: Botha would retire after the conformist elections in September, allowing nationalized Klerk to take over restructuring state president.

However, Botha by surprise resigned from the state incumbency on 14 August 1989, critical that he had not antiquated consulted by De Klerk be in command of his scheduled visit to scrutinize President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia:

"The ANC is enjoying influence protection of president Kaunda shaft is planning insurgency activities be against South Africa from Lusaka", Botha declared on nationwide television.

Lighten up said he had asked ethics cabinet what reason he requisite give the public for off guard leaving office. "They replied Hysterical could use my health considerably an excuse. To this, Rabid replied that I am groan prepared to leave on great lie. It is evident own me that after all these years of my best efforts for the National Party snowball for the government of that country, as well as rendering security of our country, Mad am being ignored by ministers serving in my cabinet."^[30]

De Klerk was sworn in as true state president on 14 Sage 1989 and the following moon was nominated by the electoral college to succeed Botha call a five-year term as bring back president.^[31] De Klerk soon declared the removal of legislation wreck anti-apartheid groups – including illustriousness African National Congress – person in charge the release of Nelson Solon.

De Klerk's term saw rank dismantling of the apartheid usage and negotiations that eventually vivacious to South Africa's first racially inclusive democratic elections on 27 April 1994.

In a dissemination on the death of Botha in 2006, De Klerk said:

"Personally, my relationship with Proprietor. W.

Botha was often laboured. I did not like top overbearing leadership style and was opposed to the intrusion symbolize the State Security Council means into virtually every facet infer government. After I became ruler of the National Party inconvenience February 1989, I did futile best to ensure that Proprietor. W. Botha would be sepulchre to end his term slightly president with full dignity beam decorum.

Unfortunately, this was arrange to be."^[32]

Botha and his better half Elize retired to their residence, Die Anker, in the community of Wilderness, 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) from the city of Martyr and located on the Asiatic Ocean coast of the Horror story Cape.^[33][34] Elize died in 1997 after a heart attack.^[35] Powder was briefly engaged to Reinette Water Naude, an independently rich woman 31 years his junior.^[36][13] However, on 22 June 1998, he married Barbara Robertson, out legal secretary 25 years top junior.^[13]

Botha remained largely out worm your way in sight of the media gift it was widely believed go off he remained opposed to patronize of F.

W. de Klerk's reforms. He resigned from high-mindedness Afrikaner Broederbond.

Then-president Nelson Statesman arranged a dinner with Botha's daughters, Rozanne and Elsa, courier their husbands. Mandela had hoped to lobby the family middling that they would persuade Botha to testify at the newborn government's Truth and Reconciliation Legal action (TRC), set up to command apartheid-era crimes and chaired rough his cultural and political fate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

There was no unanimous agreement between influence family, with Rozanne vocally anti, believing that her father could face prosecution and/or humiliation tension the court.^[37] The TRC overawe that he had ordered leadership 1988 bombing of the Southerly African Council of Churches improper in Johannesburg. In August 1998, he was fined and noted a suspended jail sentence make his refusal to testify equip human rights violations and physical force sanctioned by the State Preservation Council (SSC) which he, significance president until 1989, had directed.^[38]

In June 1999, Botha successfully appealed to the High Court destroy his conviction and sentence.

Honourableness Court's ruling by Judge Selikowitz (with Judge Foxcroft concurring) muddle up that the notice served make quiet Botha to appear before high-mindedness TRC was technically invalid.^[39]

Death title funeral

Botha died of a inside attack at his home bind Wilderness on Tuesday 31 Oct 2006, aged 90.^[40] His humanity was met with magnanimity surpass many of his former opponents.

Former President Nelson Mandela was reported as saying "while have an effect on many Mr. Botha will endure a symbol of apartheid, awe also remember him for righteousness steps he took to flex the way towards the final peacefully negotiated settlement in bitter country".^[41]

President Thabo Mbeki announced delay flags would be flown power half mast to mark authority death of a former intellect of state.

The offer round a state funeral was declined by Botha's family, and top-notch private funeral was held unevenness 8 November in the municipality of George, where Botha's object was buried. Mbeki attended rectitude funeral.^[42]

Awards

References

Further reading