Seretse Khama of Bechuanaland Part 1: King of Hearts | 21
4Digest
This episode of Even the Royals tells the story of Serrette Kama, the future king of Bechwanaland, whose marriage to a white British woman sparks an international scandal. Serrette, a young man studying law in England, meets Ruth Williams at a party hosted by the London Missionary Society. They fall in love, but their relationship faces challenges due to the racial prejudice of the time and the disapproval of their families. Despite these obstacles, Serrette proposes to Ruth, and they get married in a small ceremony in London. However, their marriage is met with fierce opposition from Serrette's uncle, Shaketti, who fears it will destabilize the tribe. Shaketti, acting with the support of British officials, attempts to prevent the marriage and even orchestrates a judicial investigation into Serrette's fitness to rule. The British government, under pressure from South Africa, which is implementing apartheid and views the interracial marriage as a threat, ultimately exiles Serrette from Bechwanaland for five years. The episode ends with Serrette facing an uncertain future, separated from his wife and his people, while the international scandal surrounding his marriage continues to unfold.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast and its hosts, Arisha Skidmore Williams and Brooke Sifrin. It also provides a brief overview of the episode's topic: the story of Serrette Kama, the future king of Bechwanaland, and his marriage to a white British woman, Ruth Williams. The episode will explore the challenges they faced due to racial prejudice and the international scandal that ensued.
Serrette's Journey to Oxford
This Chapter delves into Serrette's background and his journey to Oxford University in England. Serrette, who became the future king of the Banguato tribe at a young age, is sent to Oxford by his uncle, Shaketti, who believes a good education is crucial for a good leader. Serrette, however, is reluctant to leave his home and studies in Johannesburg, where he has experienced racism and discrimination. Despite his reservations, he ultimately agrees to go to Oxford for the sake of his people and to learn about European law, which is essential for navigating the British-controlled Bechwanaland.
Meeting Ruth
This Chapter introduces Ruth Williams, the woman who will become Serrette's wife. Serrette meets Ruth at a party hosted by the London Missionary Society. He is immediately drawn to her, and they begin to talk and bond over their shared love of jazz. Serrette is aware of the risks involved in pursuing a relationship with a white British woman, but he is determined to follow his heart.
Falling in Love and Facing Opposition
This Chapter explores the deepening relationship between Serrette and Ruth. They begin dating and quickly fall in love. However, their relationship faces challenges from both within and outside their families. Ruth's parents disapprove of the relationship, and Serrette's uncle, Shaketti, is vehemently opposed to the marriage. Despite the opposition, Serrette and Ruth are determined to be together.
The Telegram and the Failed Wedding
This Chapter focuses on the growing tension between Serrette and his uncle, Shaketti. Serrette informs his uncle about his engagement to Ruth, but the response is far from celebratory. Shaketti informs Serrette that the tribe will not accept Ruth and demands that he return home immediately. Serrette, determined to have both his love and his duty to his people, decides to proceed with the wedding despite his uncle's disapproval. However, the wedding is thwarted by British officials, who are acting under pressure from Shaketti and the British government.
The Secret Marriage and the Backlash
This Chapter details Serrette and Ruth's secret marriage. Undeterred by the failed wedding attempt, Serrette and Ruth decide to get married in a small, private ceremony. However, news of their marriage leaks to the press, and the backlash is swift and severe. Serrette's uncle, Shaketti, continues to oppose the marriage and demands that Serrette return home. Serrette, realizing he needs to appease his uncle and the tribe, reluctantly agrees to return to Bechwanaland, leaving Ruth behind.
The Kotla and the Tribe's Decision
This Chapter focuses on Serrette's efforts to win over his tribe. Upon his return to Bechwanaland, Serrette's uncle, Shaketti, calls a Kotla, a meeting of the tribe's men, to discuss Serrette's marriage. The older men of the tribe, influenced by Shaketti and traditional beliefs, reject Ruth. However, Serrette, determined to be a leader who represents all voices, requests another Kotla, this time including younger, more progressive men. At this second Kotla, Serrette makes a bold declaration, stating that he and Ruth are a package deal, and that accepting him as leader means accepting her as well. The crowd, swayed by Serrette's arguments and his commitment to inclusivity, rises to their feet in support, accepting both Serrette and Ruth.
The British Intervention and the International Scandal
This Chapter explores the British government's intervention in Serrette's ascension to the throne. While the tribe has accepted Serrette as their leader, the British government, under pressure from South Africa, decides to conduct a judicial investigation into Serrette's fitness to rule. This investigation is a direct result of South Africa's implementation of apartheid and its fear of the interracial marriage's impact on its own policies. The British government, seeking to appease South Africa and avoid conflict, puts Serrette's future as king in jeopardy.
Keywords
Serrette Kama
Serrette Kama was the prince of Bechwanaland, a territory in Southern Africa that is now known as Botswana. He was a member of the Banguato tribe, one of the largest tribes in the region. Serrette was destined to become the king of the Banguato tribe, but his marriage to a white British woman, Ruth Williams, sparked an international scandal that threatened his claim to the throne.
Bechwanaland
Bechwanaland was a British protectorate in Southern Africa, located in what is now Botswana. The territory was largely controlled by the British, but it retained some autonomy. Bechwanaland gained independence from Britain in 1966 and became the Republic of Botswana. Serrette Kama, the future king of Bechwanaland, played a significant role in the country's transition to independence.
Ruth Williams
Ruth Williams was a white British woman who married Serrette Kama, the prince of Bechwanaland. Their marriage was met with strong opposition from Serrette's family and the British government, due to the racial prejudice of the time. Ruth's courage and determination to be with Serrette, despite the challenges they faced, made her a symbol of interracial love and defiance against societal norms.
Shaketti
Shaketti was Serrette Kama's uncle and the regent ruler of Bechwanaland. He was a powerful figure in the Banguato tribe and played a significant role in Serrette's upbringing. Shaketti was deeply opposed to Serrette's marriage to Ruth Williams, believing it would destabilize the tribe and undermine his own authority. His actions, including his attempts to prevent the marriage and his involvement in the British investigation into Serrette's fitness to rule, had a profound impact on Serrette's life.
Apartheid
Apartheid was a system of racial segregation and discrimination that was enforced in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. It was based on the belief that white people were superior to people of color, and it resulted in widespread discrimination and violence against black South Africans. Apartheid had a significant impact on Serrette Kama's life, as it influenced the British government's decision to intervene in his claim to the throne of Bechwanaland.
Kotla
A Kotla is a traditional meeting of the men of the Banguato tribe in Bechwanaland. It is a forum for discussing important matters, such as the selection of a new leader. Serrette Kama faced two Kotlas, one where the older men of the tribe rejected his marriage to Ruth Williams, and another where the younger, more progressive men accepted him as their leader. The Kotla is a significant element of Banguato culture and reflects the tribe's decision-making process.
British Empire
The British Empire was a vast collection of territories and colonies ruled by Great Britain. At its peak, the empire spanned the globe, encompassing a quarter of the world's landmass and population. The British Empire had a profound impact on Bechwanaland, colonizing the territory and establishing a protectorate. The empire's influence extended to Serrette Kama's life, as it played a role in the opposition to his marriage and the investigation into his fitness to rule.
Q&A
What challenges did Serrette Kama face in his relationship with Ruth Williams?
Serrette and Ruth faced challenges due to the racial prejudice of the time, the disapproval of their families, and the intervention of British officials. Their interracial relationship was seen as a threat to societal norms and the stability of the Banguato tribe. Serrette's uncle, Shaketti, was particularly opposed to the marriage, fearing it would destabilize the tribe and undermine his own authority.
How did the British government become involved in Serrette's claim to the throne?
The British government became involved due to pressure from South Africa, which was implementing apartheid and viewed Serrette's marriage to Ruth as a threat to its own policies. South Africa threatened to leave the British Commonwealth and annex Bechwanaland by force, prompting the British government to intervene and question Serrette's fitness to rule.
What was the significance of the Kotla in Serrette's story?
The Kotla was a traditional meeting of the Banguato tribe's men, where important matters were discussed. Serrette faced two Kotlas, one where the older men rejected his marriage to Ruth, and another where the younger men accepted him as their leader. The Kotla represented the tribe's decision-making process and highlighted the clash between traditional beliefs and Serrette's vision for a more inclusive leadership.
What was the ultimate outcome of Serrette's struggle for his love and his right to rule?
The episode ends with Serrette facing an uncertain future. He is exiled from Bechwanaland for five years, separated from his wife and his people. The international scandal surrounding his marriage continues to unfold, and the future of his claim to the throne remains uncertain.
Show Notes
Prince Seretse Khama was supposed to become the next king of the Bangwato tribe (in present day Botswana). But when, in the 1940s, he falls in love with a white British woman, their relationship sparks an international scandal. Powerful nations jump in to tear the couple apart and the crisis threatens Seretse’s crown. But he’s determined to be with the woman he loves and become the leader he was born to be – no matter how hard his enemies fight to bring him down.
Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Table of contents
United States
