Seretse Khama the bond that ties two nations – president

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says honouring Botswana’s founding president, Seretse Khama, with a street name in the heart of the capital city, illustrates the unbreakable bond that ties the two nations.

She said this during the renaming of Feldstrasse near Ausspannplatz in Windhoek to Sir Seretse Khama Street in honour of his contribution to southern Africa and beyond. Khama served as Botswana’s president from 1966 until 1980.

The proposal for the renaming, according to City of Windhoek mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja, was initiated by the Maharero Traditional Authority.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said the gesture signifies the two countries’ continued commitment to collaborative efforts in our pursuit of regional integration, economic growth, and lasting peace.

“Our relationship is rooted not only in geographical proximity, but also in a shared history, mutual values, and common aspirations,” she said.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said streets serve as pathways that connect people and places, which she said symbolises Khama’s legacy of uniting generations.

Botswana’s fourth president and son of Seretse, Ian Khama, expressed his gratitude for the gesture.

“This street is more than a name on a sign post. It is a symbol of the ideals that guided my father’s footsteps and I believe continues to guide our two nations,” he said.

Botswana president Duma Boko said the renaming immortalises Khama’s legacy.

Larandja said it was “fitting that we pause to honour a man whose leadership embodied stability, moral clarity and an endless vision of prosperity for his people”.

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