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Seretse Khama was the first President and Prime Minister of Botswana, a former British protectorate in Southern Africa. He faced opposition from South Africa and his own tribe for marrying an Englishwoman, but led his country's independence movement and its economic and social progress.
Sir Seretse Khama (born July 1, 1921, Serowe, Bechuanaland [now Botswana]—died July 13, 1980, Gaborone, Botswana) was the first president of Botswana (1966–80), after the former Bechuanaland protectorate gained independence from Great Britain.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Seretse Khama’s Early Years
- ‘This Marriage Would Be Resented’
- Seretse’s Return
- The South African Government Lobby
- The Commonwealth at Stake?
- Footnotes
- Further Reading
Born in 1921, Seretse was the son of King Segkoma Khama II, chief of the Bamangwato people in the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland, now Botswana. Segkoma died in 1925, when Seretse was an infant. Subsequently, Seretse’s uncle Tshekedi Khama was appointed regent and Seretse’s guardian. Once old enough, Seretse was sent to England to study law at...
Tshekedi was incensed to learn of Seretse’s engagement and sought to dissuade him. Tshekedi had good relations with the British Government ‘having been an indispensable collaborator in the ruling of Bechuanaland’, and he attempted to use his influence to ask the Commonwealth Relations Office (CRO) to prevent the marriage (see footnote one). A secre...
Three weeks after the wedding, Seretse travelled home to explain himself to his people. It was the first of three kgotla (tribal meetings). The first two resulted in deadlock after Seretse was ordered to choose between his wife and his chieftainship. He refused to agree to the demands. The files held at The National Archives on Seretse include note...
But, any relief felt by Seretse, Ruth, or the Colonial Office would be short-lived. On 24 June 1949, the very date the kgotla accepted the marriage, across Bechuanaland’s southern border, the South African House of Assembly passed the Mixed Marriages Bill, strictly prohibiting interracial marriage. Given that Seretse’s formal designation as chief w...
The British government feared South Africa would escalate tensions by imposing economic sanctions or even launch a military incursion into Bechuanaland. But, to not recognise Seretse would be seen as ceding to the prejudices of South Africa as well as ignoring the wishes of the Bamangwato people. It was also thought some in South Africa would use t...
Ronald Hyam, ‘The Political Consequences of Sertese Khama: Britain, The Bangwato and South Africa, 1948-1952‘, The History Journal, 29.4 (1986), 921-947 (p 924)Ibid,p 926-927Clare Rider, ‘The “Unfortunate Marriage” of Seretse Khama‘ (2002)Chioma Echebiri, ‘Who Was Sir Seretse Khama?‘, The Republic(22 November 2021)Aug 28, 2019 · Seretse Khama (July 1, 1921–July 13, 1980) was the first prime minister and president of Botswana. Overcoming political resistance to his interracial marriage, he became the country's first post-colonial leader and served from 1966 to his death in 1980.
Oct 8, 2024 · The country’s first president, and Khama’s father, Sir Seretse Khama, was descended from royalty and helped cement Botswana’s reputation for orderly government in the 14 years he was in ...
Apr 3, 2022 · The Republic of Botswana’s first president was Seretse Khama. He was born on July 1, 1921, at Serowe in the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland. His grandfather was paramount chief (kgosi) Kigama III.
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Jun 8, 2023 · Learn about the life, achievements, and legacy of Seretse Khama, the leader who led Botswana to independence and fostered democracy and unity. Explore his background, political career, challenges, and recognition as a symbol of African resistance and progress.
