New Seretse documentary released

Staff Writer | Thursday January 29, 2015 14:44

 

Produced and directed by filmmaker Billy Kokorwe, the 60-minute film carries a stellar cast.  It includes Sir Seretse Khama‘s friend and former British cabinet minister, Tony Benn, who led the campaign to end the exile of the couple from then Bechuanaland. 

He raised the issue in the House of Commons and mobilised support from the British public.

In an exclusive interview filmed before his untimely death, Benn takes the viewer through his contribution towards the Khamas’ release.  As he was the first to raise the matter in the House of Commons he later formed the Seretse Khama Defence Council.

He reminisces about his close friendship with the Khamas and how the eloquent Seretse used to impress the British public when he spoke at campaign gatherings.

Benn’s comments are complemented by rare archival footage of the young firebrand Member of Parliament in the House of Commons.

Another high profile contribution is made by Lord Jones of Cheltenham who gives a detailed often-entertaining account of events that led to what he refers to as the Khama’s creation of a democratic peaceful prosperous country called Botswana.

Jones is a life peer of the British House of Lords.

Former South African president Thabo Mbeki’s commentary encourages Batswana to follow the example of Sir Seretse Khama.  He describes him as one of Africa’s greatest leaders who will always be respected and loved across the world.

Lady Khama takes the lead role in this documentary.

Her rare, exclusive, and informative commentary fuses together with other interviews including that of the Khama twins, Anthony and Tshekedi who speak passionately about their mother’s charity work.

The documentary creatively chronicles the lives of Sir Seretse Khama and Lady Khama from their world famous love story to their lives as Botswana’s founding President and First Lady.