First Lady of Botswana
Wife of the president of Botswana
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 Kaone Boko, the wife of President Duma Boko.
Inaugural holderRuth Williams Khama
FormationSeptember 30, 1966
| Her Excellency The First Lady of Botswana | |
|---|---|
since 1 November 2024 | |
| Inaugural holder | Ruth Williams Khama |
| Formation | September 30, 1966 |
The role is largely ceremonial and has no salary. President Neo Masisi has said that his wife does not have the remit to influence government policies.[3]
History
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]
First ladies of Botswana
| 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] | .jpg) |
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 | .jpg) |
1 April 2018 | 1 November 2024 | Mokgweetsi Masisi | |
| Kaone Boko | 1 November 2024 | Present | Duma Boko | ||
