The following lists events that happened during the 1980s in Botswana.
Incumbents
President: Seretse Khama (1966–1980) Quett Masire (1980–1998) Vice President Quett Masire (1966–1980) Lenyeletse Seretse (1980–1983) Peter Mmusi (1983–1992)
Events
1980
Botswana co-founds the Southern African Development Coordination Conference. 13 July – President Seretse Khama dies. He is succeeded by Quett Masire.
1981
A drought in Southern Africa begins, destroying approximately 75% of crops in Botswana. It will continue until 1987.
1982
The Financial Assistance Policy is implemented to provide grants for businesses. Botswana National Museum hosts Culture & Resistance Conference, 5–9 July 1982. February – The Jwaneng diamond mine is established. June – The Botswana Progressive Union is founded. September – The University of Botswana is founded.
1983
3 January – Vice President Lenyeletse Seretse dies. Peter Mmusi becomes vice president. A labour law is passed limiting the right to unionise.
1984
The Sir Seretse Khama International Airport opens. May – The Public Service Act allows civil servants to operate in the private sector. 8 September – The 1984 Botswana general election is held. The Botswana Democratic Party maintains its majority.
1985
1985 – HIV is first identified in Botswana, beginning the nation's HIV epidemic. 14 June – South African soldiers invade Botswana and attack the headquarters of a South African anti-apartheid group in Gabarone. 12 people are killed, and the action is condemned in a resolution by the United Nations.
1986
17 April – Botswana's first women's rights group, Emang Basadi, is established.
1987
A referendum is held to form a Supervisor of Elections. It passes with 78.1% of the vote. The university is closed for several months in response to student protests against police misconduct. May – Morupule Electric Power Station is established. 1 October – Botswana Railways is established. November – The constitution is amended so that only citizens of Botswana can serve as president.
1988
1989
Free secondary education is made available in Botswana. 7 October – The 1989 Botswana general election is held. The Botswana Democratic Party maintains its majority.
Deaths
1980 13 July – Seretse Khama, President of Botswana 1982 Benjamin Thema, Minister of Education 16 September – Keoagetse Radipotsane, Batswana football player 1983 3 January – Lenyeletse Seretse, vice-president of Botswana 1986 Archelaus Tsoebebe, Minister of Labour and Social Services 17 April – Bessie Head, writer
See also History of Botswana List of Botswana-related topics Outline of Botswana Timeline of Botswana
References