1960s in Botswana

The following lists events that happened during the 1960s in Botswana, beginning with its independence on 30 September 1966.

Incumbents

• President: Seretse Khama (1966–1980)
• Vice President: Quett Masire (1966–1980)^[1]

Events

1966

• The Botswana National Stadium opens.
• 30 September – The Bechuanaland Protectorate is granted independence as Botswana. Seretse Khama is chosen as the first president of Botswana by the National Assembly.^[2]
• 17 October – Botswana is admitted to the United Nations.^[3]
• November – The Zambia high commission opens in Gaborone.^[3]

1967

• 1 April – The United Kingdom offers Botswana 13 million pounds in foreign aid.^[3]
• July – Diamonds are discovered in Orapa.^[3]
• July – The Bushmen Protection Bill is passed.^[3]
• August – President Khama visits Zambia.^[3]
• 29 September – The Mineral Rights in Tribal Territories Act and the Mines and Minerals Act grant the government control over mining.^[3]
• 19 October – Botswana's High Commission for East Africa in Nairobi is opened by Richard N. Mannathoko.^[3]

1968

• 21 May – Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda visits Botswana.^[3]
• 27 June – The Botswana–South Africa border is defined by the border established in 1884.^[3]
• July – The Tribal Land Act is passed, moving power over land allocation from the kgosis to land boards.^[3]

1969

• 13 June – Bathoen II leaves the Botswana Democratic Party and resigns his status as kgosi of the Ngwaketse to join the Botswana National Front.^[3]
• 23 June – The Debswana mining company is established.^[3]
• 18 October – The first national election of Botswana is held. The Botswana Democratic Party is challenged by the Botswana National Front but maintains its majority.^[3][4]
• December – Selebi-Phikwe is founded.^[3]

Deaths

• 1969 – Tsheko Tsheko

See also

• History of Botswana
• List of Botswana-related topics
• Outline of Botswana
• Timeline of Botswana