2021-07-01 Thu

July 1 is Sir Seretse Khama Day in Botswana which celebrates the birthday of the first president of Botswana. His presidency lasted from 1966 till 1980.He made a significant contribution to the development of his country.

Seretse Khama was born on July 1, 1921. He was the son of Sekgoma II and Queen Tebogo, the chief of the Bamangwato people. He ascended the throne at the age of four after the death of his father, and his uncle Tshekedi Khama became his regent and guardian.

Before Seretse Khama's presidency, Botswana was among the world's poorest countries in the world. Khama introduced and followed a vigorous economic program that enabled Botswana's economic growth to be the fastest in the world.

The Bank of Botswana issued a series of banknotes honouring the first president of the country. The above banknote is a 50 Pula banknote issued in the year 2005. The Banknote depicts the effigy of Sir Khama on the left panel along with a Coat of arms depicting zebras as well as Malachite Kingfisher. The reverse depicts the Okavango Delta swamps: man on a mokoro (small boat) water lilies and African Fish Eagle.

Image Courtesy: mynumi.net