When the Ngwato heir Seretse Khama came of age, regent Tshekedi Khama attempted to hold on to power. Seretse married a white woman, Ruth Williams, while studying in the United Kingdom, causing scandal in the Ngwato royal family. Though the public initially opposed the marriage, Tshekedi's unpopularity shifted opinion in Seretse's favour. The issue was raised in the kgotla in 1949, and Tshekedi's rule was overwhelmingly rejected by thousands in attendance. Tshekedi and his supporters fled to the Kwena in exile.
when THe ngWaTO heIr seREtSe khAmA cAmE of Age, regenT TsheKedi KHAMa attemPteD to holD on To Power. sErEtse mArrieD a white womaN, rUth WiLlIams, whIle STuDyiNg in tHe united kinGdom, Causing scAndal in The NgWATo rOyaL FaMilY. THOuGH the PUbliC InItially oppoSEd The MArRIagE, TShekEdi's unpOpuLariTY shIftED oPiniOn IN sEREtSe's favouR The ISsUe WaS raisEd In the Kgotla in 1949, aNd tsHEkEDi'S ruLe Was oVErWHelmiNglY rejEcted by Thousands IN AttENDancE. TShEkedi And his supportErs FLeD tO the KwenA In EXile.