Botha, P(ieter) W(illem) (1916-2006)

South African politician, prime minister 1978-84 and the first executive state president 1984-89. He was a staunch supporter of apartheid and made use of force both inside and outside South Africa to stifle African National Congress (ANC) party activity. After suffering a stroke in 1989, he unwillingly resigned both party leadership and presidency and was succeeded by F W de Klerk.

He issued a modification of apartheid laws late in his career but refused to release ANC leader Nelson Mandela. Polarization within his own party and international opposition to apartheid weakened his rule during the late 1980s.