pēˈtər vĭlˈam bōˈtə, 1916–, South African political leader. A National party member, he first entered parliament in 1948. Botha gained prominence as minister of defense (1966–80) and became prime minister in 1978. He initiated limited reform of apartheid policies, establishing a new constitution that provided legislative chambers for whites, Coloureds, and Asians (but excluded the black majority); under it, he became executive president in 1984. While hinting at dismantling apartheid, and beginning negotiations with Nelson Mandela, he promoted the homelands policy, repressed dissent, and actively destabilized neighboring nations. Reelected in 1987, he resigned over party differences in 1989 and was succeeded by F. W. de Klerk. His 1998 contempt conviction for refusing to testify before the Truth Commission regarding apartheid-era crimes was overturned by an appeals court.

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