News Release

Botswana Businessman Dedicates Life to Christlike Service as Newly Called Church Leader

Africa and the world sustains Clement Motswagothata

Elder Clement Mosiame Matswagothata was announced, called and sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the April 2025 General Conference. He was one on 16 new leaders called worldwide.

Born in Middlepits, Botswana, Elder Matswagothata and his wife, Novelty Busisiwe Buthelezi, are the parents of three children.

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A General Authority Seventy is a Church leader called by the First Presidency to serve as an “especial witness” of Jesus Christ. They assist the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in “building up the Church and regulating all the affairs of the Church and work full-time… “

Elder Matswagothata received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He has worked in the automotive industry since 2004 with various car brands. He has held several leadership positions, including sales manager, general manager, and country manager for Barloworld Motor.

When he accepted this assignment, Elder Matswagothata was serving as a temple ordinance worker in the Johannesburg South Africa Temple and as an Area Self-Reliance Specialist.

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