PW Botha
P.W. Botha was a South African politician who served as Prime Minister from 1978 to 1984 and then as the first Executive State President until 1989 during the apartheid era. He was a staunch defender of apartheid policies and sought to reform the system under pressure from international sanctions and internal unrest. Botha's tenure was characterized by the use of state security measures to suppress dissent, leading to significant social and political unrest. His attempts at reform were viewed as too little, too late, and he ultimately faced growing opposition from anti-apartheid movements.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Terms such as 'law and order' ring creepy in the mouths of tyrants who are no more devoted to democratic process than the latter-day fascists (remember PW Botha?).
The risks of chaos when political rogues are on the loose – The Mail & Guardian
South Africa· 2025-09-11
Berman highlights policymakers such as PW Botha in her rogues’ gallery of apartheid monsters.
Kim Berman’s fire sermon – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-09-09
PW Botha extended the July 1985 State of Emergency to the whole country.
Let’s draw lessons from people’s power on 40th anniversary of State of Emergency – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-08-05
Nyerere reportedly continued advocacy for increased support for rebel groups opposed to the South African Apartheid government under PW Botha.
CIA files unmask confusion over who speaks for Tanzania
Tanzania· 2025-07-28
Mr PW Botha is acknowledged for his dedication to the cause of the Weekly Mail.
Bitching and moaning. For a cause – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-06-14
PW Botha is mentioned as one of the architects of apartheid.
Elon Musk and the irony of calling black economic empowerment racist – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-05-29
