Seretse Khama

1st President of Botswana
In office
30 September 1966 – 13 July 1980

Vice President Quett Masire

Preceded by Sekgoma Khama, King (Kgosi) Sekgoma II (1923-1925)

Succeeded by Quett Ketumile Joni Masire

Born 1 July 1921Serowe

Died 13 July 1980 (aged 59) Gaborone

Political party Botswana Democratic Party (BDP)

Spouse(s) Ruth Williams Khama

Sir Seretse Khama, KBE (1 July 1921 – 13 July 1980) was a Botswanian stateman. Born into the royal family of what was then the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, and educated abroad in neighbouring South Africa and in the United Kingdom, he returned home—with a popular but controversial bride — to lead his country’s independence movement. He founded the Botswana Democratic Party in 1962 and became Prime Minister in 1965. In 1966, Botswana gained independence and Khama became its first president. During his presidency, the country underwent rapid economic and social progress.[1]