To bypass colonialism or the voice of Alexander McCall Smith is difficult. Just as difficult as it is to ignore diamonds and tourism. But I have concentrated on Seretse Khama, the first president of Botswana.
Yes, he was born when Botswana was still Bechuanaland.

Sir Seretse Goitsebeng Maphiri Khama came from a royal family in Bechuanaland. He was born on July 1, 1921 and became independent Botswana’s first president on September 30, 1966.

“Democracy, like a little plantt, does not grow or develop on its own. It must be nursed and nurtured if it is to flourish. It must be believed in and practiced if it is to be appreciated. And it must be fought for and defended if it is to survive.”