1921-1980. Botswanan politician, prime
minister of Bechuanaland 1965 and first
president of Botswana from 1966 until his
death. Son of the Bamangwato chief Sekoma II
(died 1925), Khama studied law in Britain and
married an Englishwoman, Ruth Williams. This
marriage was strongly condemned by his uncle
Tshekedi Khama, regent during his minority,
as contrary to tribal custom, and Seretse
Khama was banished 1950. He returned 1956 on
his renunciation of any claim to the
chieftaincy.