(1916–2006), South African statesman, prime minister 1978–84, state president 1984–9; full name Pieter Willem Botha. An authoritarian leader, he continued to enforce apartheid but in response to pressure introduced limited reforms; his resistance to more radical change ultimately led to his fall from power.
Definition of Botha, P. W. in US English:
Botha, P. W.
proper nounˈbōtəˈboʊθə
(1916–2006), South African statesman; full name Pieter Willem Botha. As prime minister 1978–84 and state president 1984–89, he was an authoritarian leader who continued to enforce apartheid, but in response to pressure, he introduced limited reforms.