Lesego Chombo, a dynamic figure in Botswana’s youth scene, lawyer and Miss World Africa 2024, is now the rising star of the country’s government, having been appointed Minister of Youth and Gender Equality by Botswana’s President, Duma Boko.
On Monday 11 November, Botswana’s Head of State, Duma Boko, revealed the first names of his 18-member cabinet, in a clear bid to breathe new life into the southern African nation. The appointment of Lesego Chombo, symbolic and inspiring, marks a significant turning point in giving voice and representation to the aspirations of Botswana’s youth. “As of today, I am blessed with a role that gives me a greater opportunity to serve young people, and be part of the movement striving towards a new and better Botswana. I am grateful to be the incumbent Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs All I have ever really longed for was to make people’s lives better, in all that I do. Now here is active and meaningful change! », the new minister said on her Facebook page.
Youngest MP in the country’s history
A few days before her ministerial appointment, the political destiny of this young lawyer was already shining brightly. She was nominated by President Duma Boko to sit as an MP, a role validated by the National Assembly on 6 November. Under the Botswana Constitution, the elected President has the power to make a special appointment of 6 MPs. The MPs appointed include former minister Bogolo Kenewendo, 37.
A new page of history for young people
On 8 November, when she was sworn in, she officially took her place among Botswana’s elected representatives, becoming the youngest parliamentarian in the country’s history. This meteoric rise is part of a tradition of young talent entering politics in Botswana, following in the footsteps of Bogolo Kenewendo, who in 2016 was also appointed as an MP at an early age, before becoming Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry at just 30.
Youth to shape the future
President Duma Boko, justifying Lesego Chombo’s appointment to the country’s media, explained his vision for a Botswana where youth and dynamism shape the future, and a political life rooted in generational diversity: ‘I asked for talented young people between the ages of 20 and 23, capable of inspiring our youth. We chose Lesego Chombo for her visibility and commitment. She is an example for our country, and I hope that her role will contribute to national happiness’, he declared.
A promising career as a lawyer
Lesego Chombo also stands out for her commitment outside the political sphere. After graduating in law, she practised as an advocate of the High Court of Botswana, and dreams of opening her own law firm to extend her influence in the legal world. Lesego Chombo is also passionate about music and sport, playing guitar and singing, as well as playing baseball and swimming regularly.
The Lesego Chombo Foundation: a project for the future
She has also launched the Lesego Chombo Foundation, which houses her ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ project, the Genesis project, designed to develop the potential of economically disadvantaged children.
At the project’s launch on 8 February 2024, she hosted a gala dinner attended by 150 guests, including members of leading organizations and local stakeholders, bringing resources and expertise to the project.
The Office of the President and the MindsetChange campaign had also lent their government support, recognising the project’s potential to catalyse societal transformation.
Giant companies such as Khoemacau Copper Mining, Diamond Trading Company Botswana and Stanbic Bank Botswana, among others, rallied to the cause, underlining the importance of corporate social responsibility in promoting inclusive growth.
In all, the gala dinner raised 50,000 pula (around 3,500 euros) for the Genesis project.
A personal commitment to young people
Deeply involved in social initiatives, on her birthday she organised a day for 70 underprivileged children, offering them medical consultations and an introduction to music, a gesture that testifies to her generosity and dedication to young people.
Lesego Chombo’s appointment represents a new beginning for Botswana, combining youth, commitment and ambition in the national political landscape.
