Botswana President, Seretse Khama dies

Bechuanaland (now Botswana) President, Seretse Khama died on 13 July 1980 he died in Gabarone, Botswana. He was born on 1 July 1921 at Serowe, Botswana. His grandfather was Kgosi (King) Khama III, (also known as Khama the Good) of the Bangwato people. Under his rule and with his approval, Bechuanaland had been put under British protection in the 19th century. Seretse’s name means ‘the clay that binds’, and referred to the reconciliation after a rift between his father and grandfather. In 1925 Khama succeeded his father to the throne, but his uncle Tshekedi Khama became the new four year-old Kgosi’s regent and guardian. In 1944 he was sent to study in South Africa, where he graduated with a BA degree from Fort Hare University College (now University of Fort Hare). He then left to further his studies in law in England, first at Balliol College, Oxford, then at Inner Temple, London. In 1947 he met Ruth Williams, the daughter of a retired army officer. They were married in September 1948. Khama’s Uncle Tshekedi ordered him to come home so that he could rebuke him for his marriage to a White woman. He wanted Khama to get a divorce, but Khama managed to win the people’s favour. He was recognised as Kgosi, and Ruth as his wife. Khama was succeded by Quett Ketumile Masire. Khama’s son, Ian, succeeded Festus Mogae as president of Botswana in 2008 after the latter stepped down at the end of his second term.