International: Balulubela!

Bechuanaland's open-air Kgotla (Parliament) was not in session, but a quorum of tribal representatives was lounging in the sun when the tribe's Chief-designate arrived, arm in arm with his new wife. Up jumped the tribesmen and squarely faced the young bride, the former Ruth Williams, a London typist. "Balulubela!" shouted the tribesmen.

The bride's answer to the traditional Bamangwato tribal welcoming cry was not recorded, but she indicated graciously that any friends of her husband's were of course friends of hers.

Chief-designate Seretse Khama, who had married Miss Williams against strenuous opposition from his family and the British authorities (TIME, July 11), cheerfully...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!