Seretse Khama

Seretse Khama (1921-1980), first president of Botswana (1966-1980). Born in Serowe of royal parents, he inherited the title of chief of the Bamangwato (Ngwato) people, who make up more than one-third of Botswana's population. When he violated the color bar by marrying a white woman in 1948, British authorities banished him from the country (1950) and deposed him as chief (1952). Allowed to return in 1956, he founded the Botswana Democratic party in 1962. Three years later, campaigning on a multiracial platform, the party was swept to power and Khama became prime minister. He was elected president in 1966 and was knighted the same year. Khama died in office.