Africa's transformational post-colonial leadership and colonial antinomies : Sir Quett Ketumile Joni Masire of Botswana

Abstract

This article offers a critical engagement of Sir Quett Ketumile Masire's eighteen years in power (1980-1998). Masire epitomises the kind of transformational political leadership that has sustained Botswana's political stability since independence. By presenting a discussion of Masire's political philosophy, his leadership style, and the underlying internal and external factors, the paper concludes by drawing lessons from his leadership style for the benefit of political leadership development in Africa. Most discussions about Botswana's leadership, its philosophy and style tend to conclude that Botswana is a 'citadel' of democracy in Africa without providing details of the various political factors that have contributed to the country's current configurations and its leadership style, which exists as a form of state capture