Khama, Sir Seretse

Khama, Sir Seretse (seret'sā kä'mä) [key], 1921–80, 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.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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