Sir Seretse Khama

Sir Seretse Khama , 1921-80, Botswanan political leader, president of Botswana (1966-80); grandson of Khama III . After studying in England he returned to Bechuanaland (now Botswana) but was banished (1950) in a dispute with the British government over his succession to the chieftaincy of the Ngwato people. He renounced (1956) his claim, returned, and launched the Bechuanaland Democratic party. He served (1965-66) as prime minister; when Bechuanaland became independent as Botswana, he assumed the presidency. He served four terms and died in office in 1980. He was knighted in 1966.

Khama, Sir Seretse (1921–80) Botswanan statesman, Prime Minister of Bechuanaland 1965 and President of Botswana (1966–80). An heir to the chieftainship of the ruling tribe in Bechuanaland, he was banished because of opposition to his marriage to an Englishwoman in 1948. He returned with his wife in 1956 and formed the Democratic Party in 1962, leading the party to a landslide victory in the elections of 1965; he became Botswana's first President the following year. A strong believer in multiracial democracy, he achieved nationwide free education.

Khama, Sir Seretse (b. 1 July 1921, d. 13 July 1980). President of Botswana 1966–80 He was educated in South Africa and Britain, where he trained as a lawyer. Following his marriage to an Englishwoman he was prevented by the colonial authorities from returning to Bechuanaland to succeed to his chiefdom. Renouncing his right to succession, he returned in 1956, and in 1962 founded the Bechuanaland (later Botswana) Democratic Party. After its success in the first elections of 1965, he became Prime Minister, and in 1966 became President upon independence. His main achievement was the establishment of one of the most stable democracies in Africa. He also fostered careful opposition to the racially oppressive regimes in Rhodesia and South Africa, despite his country's economic dependence on the two countries.