This Day in History: 12 January 1916
Former South Africa state president, Pieter Willem Botha, (also known as Die Groot Krokodile - The Big Crocodile) was born on the farm Telegraaf in Paul Roux district, Free State. Before he became state president he served as Prime Minister from 1978 until 1984. Botha became president after 1983 constitutional amendments, which made provision for the creation of executive presidency.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pieter_Willem_Botha