Seretse Khama

Sir Seretse Khama (July 1st 1921, Serowe, Botswana - July 13rd 1980, Gaborone) is a politician botswanais and first president of Botswana.

Khama is the grandson of the tribal king Khama III, he reaches itself under king de Bangwato in 1925, nevertheless his/her uncle Tshekedi acts as regent.

Khama makes its studies in the close South Africa, at the University of Strong Hare before leaving for London where it follows a training of lawyer ( barrister ) to the Inner Temple . It Marie in English Ruth Williams.

In 1951, the British colonizer expels it protectorate of Bechuanaland (name of Botswana before independence) and assigns it with residence in London during five years. Khama can return in Bechuanaland only in 1956 after an agreement with its Tshekedi rival. The agreement stipulates that Khama gives up any claim with the throne of Bangwato and leaves it in Tshekedi.

Khama wants to regain the capacity and founds the Bechuanaland Democratic Party in 1961. The principal political objective of BDP is the independence of the country. The legislative elections of 1965 are gained by BDP , Khama becomes Prime Minister. The country is famous of Bechuanaland in Botswana. The following year the country becomes independent of the British crown and Khama is elected at the position of president of the country. Khama is anobli by the queen Elizabeth II.

On the scene regional policy, Khama is implied in the resolution of the problem Rhodesia N and consequently of the independence of the Zimbabwe. It knew to avoid the ethnic tensions inside its country while making play a political role with the tribal chiefs.

The health of Khama was always very fragile and in 1980, one diagnoses a cancer to him. It remained with the capacity until its death the July 13rd 1980.

External bond

University of Botswana, Department of History

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