Gaositwe K.T. Chiepe

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Gaositwe Keagakwa Tibe Chiepe (born 1926) is a former Botswana politician and diplomat with the Botswana Democratic Party.

[edit] Education and early life

Chiepe was born in what was then the Bechuanaland Protectorate in 1926. She attended primary school in Serowe and eventually went to Tigerkloof, South Africa for secondary education. She then attended Fort Hare University, also in South Africa, where she received a Bachelors of Science as well as a degree in education. In 1958, she graduated from the University of Bristol in the UK with a masters degree. She was awarded an honorary degree from Depaul University, US. Chiepe worked extensively in the education department after Botswana's independence.

[edit] Political career

Chiepe was the first female cabinet member in Botswana (1974). She was elected to parliament from the Serowe South, Central District of Botswana. She was appointed to the post of high commissioner to United Kingdom and Nigeria and ambassador to West Germany, France, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the European Economic Community from 1970 to 1974. From 1974 to 1977, Chiepe was the minister of Trade and Industry. From 1977 to 1984, she was the minister of Mines & Natural Resources. In 1984, Chiepe became the Foreign Minister (minister of external relations), in which position she remained until 1994. From 1994 to 1999, she was the minister of education. Chiepe retired from government life in 1999 after nearly 30 years of high level positions.