Sir Seretse Khama was the first President of Botswana, serving from 1966 until his death in 1980. He played a crucial role in the country's transition from a British protectorate to an independent nation. Khama was known for his commitment to democracy, economic development, and social justice, which helped shape modern Botswana. Born in 1921, Khama was educated in South Africa and England. His leadership was marked by efforts to promote unity among the diverse ethnic groups in Botswana. He also focused on building a strong economy based on diamond mining and tourism, which laid the foundation for the country's future prosperity.