Lesego Chombo's journey from beauty queen to politician has made history in Botswana, as she embraces her role with enthusiasm and commitment. At just 26, she became the country's youngest cabinet minister, appointed by President Duma Boko of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). Chombo, passionate about youth development and gender equality, now serves as Minister of Youth and Gender, making her one of the few female members of parliament in the 69-member National Assembly.
Her rise to prominence began with her title as Miss Botswana in 2022 and continued with her crowning as Miss World Africa 2024. These opportunities allowed her to spotlight pressing social issues and advocate for change within her community. Launching the Lesego Chombo Foundation, she focuses on supporting disadvantaged children and families in rural areas, aiming for a future where everyone feels represented.
Chombo acknowledged the severe youth unemployment crisis, which stands at 28%, primarily affecting young people and women. She recognizes that improving youth development calls for dedicated efforts to enhance entrepreneurship and involve young voices in decision-making processes. Her vision includes addressing corruption within government tenders to ensure young entrepreneurs have fair opportunities to thrive.
The urgency of gender equity also shapes Chombo's agenda. Botswana faces alarming rates of gender-based violence, with over 67% of women having experienced abuse. In her new role, she aims to address these issues through legislative changes and public awareness campaigns, while also advocating for inclusivity in educational curriculums to address gender-related violence from an early age.
Despite criticism, she insists on implementing existing laws effectively rather than creating new ones, aiming to drive a cultural shift towards awareness and prevention. Her leadership style reflects a dedication to reform, emphasizing not just women’s rights but also addressing broader societal issues affecting men.
Chombo's own journey is fueled by the strength of the women who inspired her life, including her mother. She believes in the potential for positive change and understands her role as a trailblazer in a society often reluctant to embrace young women in leadership.
Taking on the mantle of Minister, Chombo expresses a clear goal: creating tangible, sustainable impacts on Botswana's future. “Impact. Tangible impact. That's what success would look like to me,” she states, underlining her commitment to ensuring her contributions to society extend beyond her tenure in office.
As she navigates her new responsibilities, Lesego Chombo represents the changing tides within Botswana’s political landscape, advocating for youth empowerment and equality in a nation rich with potential—bolstering hope for a brighter, more inclusive future.
