Also known as: Sir Seretse Khama · Sir Seretse · founding President Sir Seretse Khama · Prime Minister Sir Seretse Khama
Seretse Khama — founding president of Botswana, whose policies on non-racialism, education, and economic management guided the nation's transformation from one of the poorest countries to a fastest-growing economy.
Batswana and the international community continue to honour the enduring legacy of democracy, unity, and socio-economic transformation left by Sir Seretse Khama. …
President Advocate Duma Boko has called on Batswana to draw inspiration from the enduring legacy of Botswana’s founding president, Sir Seretse Khama, saying his vision, humility and unwavering commitment to democracy continue to provide a blueprint for the nation’s future. …
… Presenting himself as a "friend of Botswana," Mr Chissano said the people of this nation will take inspiration not only from the founding fathers Sir Seretse Khama and Quett Ketumile Masire but also Dr Mogae and maintain the national culture of democracy, unity and stability. …
Kanye, traditional capital of the Bangwaketse, significantly contributed to Botswana's journey toward independence through its political leaders and role as a centre of Tswana chiefly authority and early nationalist activity. Kgosi Bathoen II, a businessman, kgosi and politician, played a pivotal role in building the Bangwaketse tribe before 1966 through initiatives including constructing the Mmakgodumo Dam and promoting skills acquisition.
Kanye, traditional capital of the Bangwaketse, significantly contributed to Botswana's journey toward independence through its political leaders and role as a centre of Tswana chiefly authority and early nationalist activity. Kgosi Bathoen II, a businessman, kgosi and politician, played a pivotal role in building the Bangwaketse tribe before 1966 through initiatives including constructing the Mmakgodumo Dam and promoting skills acquisition.
William Nkwane, a retired registered nurse with over 45 years in the health sector, reflects on Botswana's evolution from limited healthcare infrastructure at independence to an extensive network of clinics, hospitals, and trained professionals, drawing on his career spanning remote areas and mining hospitals.
The Botswana People's Party (BPP) was founded in 1960 by Kgalemang Motsete, Phillip Matante, and Motsamai Mpho, not 1965 as textbooks claim. Though it did not participate in independence, the BPP was the first to petition Britain for Botswana's self-rule, with Matante lobbying the Queen and international forums in London and New York.
Botswana celebrated its Diamond Jubilee pre-Independence at the National Stadium on Tuesday night with performances from police and prison service bands, speeches from dignitaries including President Duma Boko, Mozambique President Daniel Chapo, and a fireworks display. The event, themed Building Resilience, Driving Prosperity, drew large crowds despite cold drizzle.
Botswana sent seven track athletes to the 1980 Moscow Olympics, their first time competing on the Olympic stage. The article chronicles this milestone and the nation's journey from post-independence nation-building under President Seretse Khama to sporting achievement.
Botswana marked 35 years of Ukraine's independence at an event in Gaborone where the Assistant Minister for State President, Defence and Security affirmed Botswana's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while launching a two-week artistic exhibition titled "Resilience: The Unbreakable Human Spirit" featuring collaboration between Batswana and Ukrainian artists.
Mophato Dance Theatre, which has spent 15 years blending Botswana's heritage with contemporary dance and performing on global stages, is staging a production titled CHABA from September 1 to 5 to celebrate the milestone ahead of Botswana's 60th Independence anniversary. The self-funded show, with a budget between P400,000 and P500,000, relies on ticket sales to sustain its operations.
Kanye will host a Pula Day commemoration on August 24 under the theme "Pula le Thebe: Shielding Wealth, Nurturing Inclusive Growth," marking fifty years since Botswana introduced its national currency on August 23, 1976, after withdrawing from the Rand Monetary Area in 1974.
Multitudes gathered at the GaMmangwato Royal Kgotla to celebrate the life of Sir Seretse Khama. Former diplomat and Cabinet Minister Charles Tibone eulogized him as a humble servant whose humility contributed to Botswana's transformation from one of the poorest countries to one of the fastest-growing economies.
Multitudes gathered at the GaMmangwato Royal Kgotla to celebrate the life of Sir Seretse Khama. Former diplomat Charles Tibone eulogized the founder as a humble servant whose humility enabled Botswana's growth from one of the poorest countries to one of the fastest-growing economies.
Ukraine has launched a gold-plated commemorative coin to honour Botswana's founding president Sir Seretse Khama, presented by the Ukrainian Ambassador to the Khama III Memorial Museum. The coin symbolises friendship and mutual respect, and incorporates a traditional wildflower design to represent Botswana's flora and fauna.
President Duma Boko, speaking at Sir Seretse Khama Day commemoration, called on Batswana to draw inspiration from the founding president's vision, humility and commitment to democracy, describing his policies on non-racialism, education, economic management and political tolerance as foundational to modern Botswana.
Musician and attorney Nchunga Nchunga has released "Re tla mo gopola" (We will remember him), a tribute single to the late former president Dr Festus Mogae, recorded in Setswana, Herero, Ndebele, English and Sesubiya. Nchunga said he composed the song to celebrate Mogae's legacy, particularly his leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and released it before the burial so Batswana could enjoy it as they celebrated the former president's life.
An opinion piece characterizes former president Mogae as an intellectual democrat—a rare head of state whose high intelligence and educational credentials did not lead him to authoritarianism or arrogance, distinguishing him from many leaders across the continent who have failed the democratic test despite their learning.
Former Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano delivered a eulogy at the State Memorial Service for former Botswana President Festus Mogae, describing him as a principled leader and "one of the architects of stability in Southern Africa" who provided wise counsel in regional deliberations.