Sir Seretse Khama, KBE (July 1, 1921 – July 13, 1980) was a Botswana statesman from Botswana. He founded the Botswana Democratic Party in 1962. He became Prime Minister in 1965. In 1966, Botswana gained independence and Khama became its first president. During his presidency, the country underwent rapid economic and social progress.