Khama, Seretse (1921–1980)

Botswanan politician, prime minister of Bechuanaland in 1965, and first president of Botswana 1966–80. He founded the Bechuanaland Democratic Party in 1962 and led his country to independence in 1966. Botswana prospered under his leadership, both economically and politically, and he won every post-independence election until his death in July 1980. He was knighted in 1966.

Son of the Bamangwato chief Sekoma II (died 1925), Khama studied law in the UK and married an Englishwoman, Ruth Williams. This marriage was strongly condemned by his uncle Tshekedi Khama, who had been regent during his minority, as contrary to tribal custom. Despite this opposition, Seretse Khama was publicly appointed the kgosi (king) of the Bangwato in June 1949. The British government refused to recognize his title and forced him to live in exile in England in 1950. Seretse and Ruth Khama were allowed to return to Bechuanaland in 1956 on condition that he renounced his claim to chieftaincy.