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46-574: The Khama III Memorial Museum is a museum located in Serowe , Botswana. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Khama family and Serowe. In 1985, the museum was opened for the first time by several people from Serowe, Lenyetse Seretse donated his house for the museum. The museum house was built around 1910. The intention with creating this museum was to promote cultural pride in Serowe. After Bessie Head's death,

92-635: A by-election in Serowe North, receiving 2,986 votes against 86 votes for the candidate of the opposition Botswana National Front . On 13 July, he took his seat in the National Assembly and was sworn in as Vice-President. By these actions, he effectively renounced his hitherto unclaimed hereditary chieftaincy , as the constitutional monarchs of modern Botswana are legally barred from actively taking part in party politics. Many traditional Bamangwato continued to recognize him as their chief. Following

138-620: A 30% levy after consulting with industry leaders, including the Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower. SAB Miller secured British diplomatic representation to attempt to lower the levy. In 2008, The Media Practitioners Act passed into Botswana law, and has been criticized as inhibiting free speech by several outlets. The act's language seeks to encourage a more professional journalistic standard. The law has proved to be difficult to enforce or implement. In 2009, Khama appeared on CNN 's African Voices which painted

184-467: A flaw in the electoral system in Botswana. President Khama first articulated his desire to impose a 70% alcohol levy, meant to combat the problem of excessive drinking in Botswana. The practical effect of such a levy was soon seen to have a deleterious effect on the brewing industry, which resisted the imposition of such a levy, along with bars and other drinking establishments. The President later imposed

230-568: A haven for black and white rhinoceroses . Serowe currently serves as capital of the Central District . The first president Sir Seretse Khama (father of the fourth President President Lieutenant General Ian Khama ) and the third president Festus Mogae of Botswana were born in Serowe. The Botswana Prison Service (BPS) operates the Serowe New Prison. Since 2000, Serowe has undergone numerous developments and continues to expand at

276-559: A majority of seats in the National Assembly . In the lead up to the election, opposition politician Gomolemo Motswaledi died in a traffic collision on 30 July 2014. While there was some speculation on the incident being politically motivated, the police force concluded that the death was an accident. In 2015, Khama was awarded an honorary doctorate in political science from Konkuk University in South Korea . After he received

322-538: A new capital of the Bamangwato. They called the area Serowa after the bulb plant they found in the area, which was indicative of water. However, the name Serowe stuck because British settlers misspelt it, and the people agreed to keep it. The word Serowe does not exist in Setswana. It is also the birthplace of Seretse Khama , Botswana's first president , and the traditional center of the Bamangwato tribe. Swaneng Hill School

368-664: A newly formed breakaway from the BDP. He campaigned for the BPF, which won three seats in the 2019 general elections in the Serowe area. In 2018, after resigning from the presidency, Khama became a member of the Board of Directors of the US-based organization Conservation International , which is also active in Botswana . In 2021, Khama went on a self-imposed exile, during which he claimed that there had been

414-531: A number of issues" might be evident, and he emphasized his commitment to democracy. He immediately undertook a major cabinet reshuffle, and he appointed Mompati Merafhe , who had been Foreign Minister, as the new Vice-President. Upon becoming President, Khama left his post as Chairman of the BDP; Daniel Kwelagobe was chosen to replace him. Khama was not elected to the presidency for his first year in office, being appointed due to his position as Vice President. Some political commentators such as Kenneth Good see as

460-574: A positive picture of Khama, and named Botswana an African "success story". In the 2009 Botswana general election , Khama was elected to the first of two terms as president. Politically, Khama's election campaign was dominated by internal squabbling in the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which was clearly divided into two major factions, the A-Team and the Barata Phati factions. The A-Team

506-409: A presidential pardon from Khama in 2012. This was seen as proof by some sources that Khama was involved in the killing. The prosecuting lawyer for Kalifatis said “What is his special interest in these particular offenders, how can we not suspect that he had a personal interest in the case…?” In the 2014 Botswana general election , Khama won his second term. His party received 46.45% of the vote, and

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552-574: A significant problem. Diplomatically, he took a strong stance on North Korea's human rights issues . After cutting ties with North Korea in 2014 over its egregious human rights violations, he described the human rights atrocities in the hermit kingdom 'worse than the African refugee issues', particularly during the mass famine in the 1990s. He gave an interview with the Yonhap News Agency during his visit to Seoul , South Korea in 2015, criticizing

598-406: A steady rate, despite exponential growth from neighbouring Palapye . The Swaneng Senior Secondary School , fondly referred to as Swaneng Hill, has been upgraded by the Botswana government through contract with a Chinese construction company. It now has relatively modern chemistry, physics and biology laboratories, although they lack equipment for in-depth experiments. As a result, student interest in

644-456: A vocal proponent of moving Botswana away from its over-reliance on diamonds and diversifying its economy, especially to the agriculture and tourism sector. Khama put in place a ban on elephant hunting during his time as President, and supported conservation efforts in Botswana. In 2018, he criticized President Donald Trump for encouraging elephant poaching. Khama has been strongly prohibitionist in his attitude towards alcohol, viewing it as

690-598: Is a Botswana politician and former military officer who was the fourth President of the Republic of Botswana from 1 April 2008 to 1 April 2018. After serving as Commander of the Botswana Defence Force , he entered politics and was Vice-President of Botswana from 1998 to 2008, then succeeded Festus Mogae as President on 1 April 2008. He won a full term in the 2009 election and was re-elected in October 2014. Ian Khama

736-532: Is also the grandson of Sekgoma II (1869–1925), who was the paramount chief of the Bamangwato people, and the great-grandson of Khama III (1837–1923), their king. His great-great grandfather of Kgosikgolo Sekgoma I was Chief of the Bamangwato people (1815–1885). The name "Seretse" means “the clay that binds together”, and was given to his father to celebrate the recent reconciliation of his father and grandfather; this reconciliation assured Seretse Khama's ascension to

782-514: Is the Serowe Stadium and surrounding sports complex. This project, which cost the Botswana government P30 million, was opened in mid-2003. It currently provides the Central District with its only major sports facility. The town used to be served by Serowe Airport . The airport location was used to build the now completed Sekgoma Memorial Hospital and the adjacent Nursing Institute. Serowe

828-544: Is the Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) Serowe Campus which provides training to health workers in various areas such as general nursing and health education. The Serowe IHS campus is one of the 6 campuses found at different major hospitals in Botswana. The Old Sekgoma Memorial Hospital has been refurbished and turned into a 24hr clinic that has sexual health and reproductive services Centre, chronic disease center, TB Clinic and District Drug hub. Another major recent development

874-573: Is the second child of Sir Seretse Khama (1 July 1921 – 13 July 1980), Botswana's foremost independence leader and its president from 1966 to 1980, and Lady Khama . He was born in Chertsey , Surrey , while his father was living in exile in the United Kingdom , due to the opposition by the colonial government and the emergent apartheid regime in South Africa to his marriage to a white woman . He

920-596: The BBC 's Top Gear motoring programme, meeting the presenters as they prepared to cross the Makgadikgadi Pan in northern Botswana by car for the Top Gear: Botswana Special . In April 2022, Ian Khama was summoned by the justice of his country. The former head of state is accused, among other things, of illegal possession of a firearm. The case dates back to 2016. In December 2022, a warrant for Khama's arrest

966-480: The Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD). Khama put in place a ban on elephant hunting in 2014. The death of John Kalifatis, whose death resulted during the course of a robbery investigation, occurred early in Khama's presidency. The police statement on Kalifatis reads: "The deceased, John Kalafatis, had a warrant of arrest issued against him on 12 January 2009 for armed robbery among others. All along, he

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1012-608: The BDP but also to the country's constitution. In the run-up to the 2009 elections, Motswaledi, who gave up on his ambition to run for a seat in Serowe in order to make way for Ian Khama's brother, Tshekedi Khama II , was also excluded from representing Gaborone when he ran afoul of President Khama. Motswaledi lost a law suit against Khama when the High Court ruled that the president enjoyed constitutional immunity from litigation by virtue of his position. After this incident, critics accused Khama of authoritarian tendencies; More than half of

1058-425: The BDP central Committee at one time felt that Khama had on many instances acted beyond his powers. Others, including Khama and his legal representation, said that he was simply instilling discipline as part of his role as the head of the party. Khama won 53.26% of the vote, and a majority of seats in the National Assembly . After the 2009 election, Motswaledi bowed out of the BDP to form another political party,

1104-593: The North's leaders for 'living in the Stone Age' and called their aggressive actions unacceptable. On 1 April 2018, Mokgweetsi Masisi was sworn in as the 5th President of Botswana , succeeding Ian Khama and his full ten years of presidency. After several disagreements with Masisi, in particular accusing Masisi of authoritarian tendencies, Khama decided to leave the BDP and join the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF),

1150-526: The action of Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir in the region of Darfur and became a vocal critic of despotic governments in Africa along with President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania and President Levy Mwanawasa of Zambia . Khama has been criticized by some figures for making poor decisions, including by former president Quett Masire , who claimed that the BDP had been taken over by opportunists looking to benefit from senior government positions. Under Khama,

1196-533: The anniversary of the publication of Bessie's book, A Question of Power. In 2014, the U.S. government donated $ 78000 (1 074 028,02 pula) to preserve the museum's artifacts which include Khama family manuscripts and Bessie's literary works. The British High Commissioner to Botswana, Katy Ransome visited some of Serowe's historical sites in August 2016, including the museum. The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation and Danish Volunteer Service have financially supported

1242-449: The culture of the San people and the museum contains temporary art displays. The museum contains photographs of the funeral of Botswana's first president, Seretse Khama. In addition, the museum has also preserved historical Botswana uniforms. Serowe Serowe has a memorial to Khama III , chief of the Bamangwato people in the late 19th-early 20th century, who in 1903 founded the town as

1288-601: The degree, Khama's official title was "His Excellency the President Lieutenant General Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama". Khama took a strong stance against the Zimbabwean government, particularly Robert Mugabe . He did so by refusing to recognize the government unless and until it included members of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) headed by Morgan Tsvangirai . Khama also condemned

1334-565: The government has also established the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DISS) with police powers, which is seen as the Botswana equivalent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States. Although this type of organization is not new and is found in many countries, it has critics in Botswana who charge that there are very few domestic or transnational threats that

1380-485: The museum acquired several of her papers, including notes and sketches as well as writings. The museum has produced an occasional journal called Lekgapho, which is distributed widely around Botswana. In 2006, Bessie Head's room was installed in the museum, as well as permanent exhibits about the writer. In July 2013, the Bessie Head Society in collaboration with the museum organized a symposium in Serowe to commemorate

1426-522: The museum. In October 2018, Cuba's ambassador to Botswana, Patricia L. Pego Guerra, visited the museum. The museum contains archives about the Khama family. The museum contains musical instruments from the eastern Kalahari . The museum contains ethnographic artifacts from Bangwato merafe, these artifacts date back to the time of Khaima III. Among the museum's exhibits include correspondence, uniforms and furniture, in addition to exhibits on snakes and animals native to Africa. The museum also has artifacts about

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1472-532: The police and the military could not handle. Some, including Executive director of the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa, Siphosami Malunga, have argued that the institution, initially headed by President Khama's close friend Issac Kgosi, could easily be manipulated and used against political enemies or others who criticize the President or his administration. On the economic front, Khama has been

1518-715: The position in 1998. During this time, Khama received military honours, including the Founder Officer Medal for being part of the Botswana Defence Force when it was created in 1977, the Duty Code Order for devotion to duty, and the Distinguished Service Medal in 1997 after 20 years of service. Khama, serving as Commander of the Botswana Defence Force , announced on 16 December 1997 that he would retire from his command on 31 March 1998. Because this

1564-417: The sciences has grown, with a number of students going overseas to continue their studies. The school's history department regularly takes students on field trips to ancient sites around the country. Debating is highly encouraged, and has led to a number of national championship titles. A major recent upgrade involved the construction of the new state-of-the-art Sekgoma Hospital , which is located 6 km to

1610-461: The south of the main town, replacing the old and derelict hospital of the same name. It now operates as the main medical centre in the district. The hospital was constructed at an estimated cost of P300 million and was opened to the public in late 2007, reducing a heavy burden at the Francistown Hospital, which was subject to overcrowding and unhygienic conditions. Adjacent to Sekgoma Memorial

1656-406: The throne when his aged father died in 1925. Ian Seretse Khama is named after his father to continue this historical legacy. He is also known simply as Ian Khama to differentiate between himself and his father. Tshekedi Khama II , Ian Khama's brother, was named after their great uncle, Tshekedi Khama who was the regent and guardian for Seretse Khama , the first president of Botswana . Ian Khama

1702-580: The victory of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in the general election of October 1999 , Khama remained Vice-President as well as Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration. Mogae granted Khama a one-year leave later in the year, a decision that the opposition Botswana Congress Party and the Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organizations sharply criticized. Khama's leave became effective on 1 January 2000. He returned to his duties as Vice-President on 1 September 2000, although he

1748-535: Was a fugitive from justice." The officers involved claimed that they mistakenly believed him to be reaching for his firearm at the time of the shooting. Other sources dispute this, and claim that Kalafatis had been executed by members of the Botswana Defense Force . The three members of the BDF responsible for the death of Kalifatis were found guilty of murder, and each sentenced to 11 years in prison. They received

1794-596: Was completed several years later. There are two hills at Swaneng, called Rra-Swaneng and Mma-Swaneng – Father- and Mother-Swaneng – respectively. Notable features of the local area include a Botswana Defence Force (BDF) base on the road to Paje and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary . The Rhino Sanctuary is a charitable game reserve, 25 km north of Serowe, established in 1992 by the local Ballentine and Watson families and Ian Khama (the former President). Its 4,300 hectares of Kalahari sandveld were established as

1840-701: Was educated at Waterford Kamhlaba , a United World College in Mbabane , and at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst . He is a qualified pilot. In April 1977, Khama was appointed as a brigadier general at age 24 during Sir Seretse Khama's Presidency, making him the Deputy Commander to late former Vice President Lt. Gen. Mompati Merafhe . He later served as the Commander of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) from his appointment in 1989, retiring from

1886-480: Was given for illegal possession of firearms. The warrant was given after he did not appear to the court summonings earlier in the year. Mogae stepped down, as he had long said he would do, on 1 April 2008; Khama succeeded him as President. At his swearing-in ceremony in Gaborone , Khama said that there would be continuity in policy and no "radical changes", although he said that "a change in style and special emphasis on

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1932-404: Was led by President Khama, Jacob Nkate, the former minister of education, and the late former vice president Mompati Merafhe . The Barata Phati faction was led by former BDP secretary general Daniel Kwelagobe , formerly the chairman of the party, the late Gomolemo Motswaledi , and also retired former vice president Ponatshego Kedikilwe , who wished to bring about constitutional reform not only to

1978-568: Was replaced as Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration at that time. Khama, already a member of the BDP Central Committee, was elected as Chairman of the BDP on 22 July 2003 at a party congress; he defeated the previous Chairman, Ponatshego Kedikilwe , receiving 512 votes against 219 for Kedikilwe. Khama had been backed for the post by President Mogae, paving the way for Khama to eventually succeed Mogae as President. In 2007, Khama appeared on British television in

2024-649: Was the adopted hometown of South African-born writer Bessie Head , inspiring her 1974 book Serowe: Village of the Rain Wind . Her importance to the village is remembered in the Bessie Head Room of the Khama III Memorial Museum , established in 2007. 22°23′S 26°43′E  /  22.383°S 26.717°E  / -22.383; 26.717 Seretse Khama Ian Khama Seretse Khama Ian Khama ( pronunciation ) (born 27 February 1953)

2070-572: Was the first of the Brigades Movement schools founded by educationalist Patrick van Rensburg . Serowe is located in a fertile area, well-watered by the Lotsane River . It lies west of the Gaborone – Francistown road, from which it is easily reached. It also marks the beginning of the Serowe-Orapa road, which ends at the diamond mines of Orapa . Construction of this road began in 1986 and

2116-412: Was the same date as the planned retirement of President Quett Masire , it fueled political speculation about Khama. On 1 April 1998, when Vice-President Festus Mogae succeeded Masire as President, Khama was appointed as the new Vice-President. However, Khama did not hold a seat in the National Assembly , and so could not immediately take office as Vice-President. In early July 1998 he overwhelmingly won

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