President's Day in 2024

When is President's Day in Botswana?

President's Day is a public holiday in Botswana.

Public holidays are observed over two days - on the third Monday in July and the following Tuesday.

Some sources say that this was changed to only one day in amendments to the Public Holidays Act, but there is no mention of any such amendment in the Act.

President's Day is a day to commemorate the role of the President in Botswana and honour the current President.

History of President's Day in Botswana

Following independence from Britain in 1966, Seretse Khama became the first President of Botswana.

In April 2018, Mokgweetsi Masisi became the 5th President of Botswana, succeeding Ian Khama, who had been President for the previous ten years.

Mokgweetsi Masisi was born on 21 July 1961 (this means President's Day will fall on President Masisi's birthday in 2025). In his youth, Masisi became an actor, starring in several theatrical productions and even some South African movies. He later became a school teacher before following his interest in politics.

He won a seat for the Botswana Democratic Party in the 2009 general elections and rose through the party ranks, gaining his first ministerial position in 2011.

Masisi was appointed as Vice President of Botswana on 12 November 2014 by President Ian Khama while remaining in his post as Minister of Education. On 1 April 2018, he was sworn in as the fifth President of Botswana.

How is President's Day in Botswana Observed?

The day is marked by various activities including flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and community events, showcasing Botswana's history, values, and achievements.