She did not campaign. She didn’t even know the president. But now she’s in charge of solving some of Botswana’s biggest problems – from youth unemployment to gender-based violence – and she’s already making a splash.
“I’ve never been more proud of being young,” Chombo said shortly after his appointment. “I’m passionate about youth development, gender equality, and the future of our children.”
From Miss World to Minister
A trained lawyer and founder of the Lesego Chombo Foundation, Lesego was appointed as a specially elected MP.
“The president has never met me,” she admitted. “But I think the work I did and the platform I had helped make the case.
Now, she is one of only six women in the 69-member National Assembly and arguably its most talked about issue.
With Botswana’s youth unemployment above 28%, and nearly two-thirds of the population under 35, Chombo wants to flip that narrative by pushing policies that favor youth-owned businesses, increasing state procurement quotas, and creating a new ‘youth ecosystem’.
After voting against a proposal to introduce “peace desks” for survivors in police stations, some accused her of failing women. Chombo declared saying that the laws already exist, but the real success lies in enforcement.
“It hurts to know I could be next,” she said after new stats showed more than 100 rapes and 10 murders during the festive period alone.
She is now pushing for a tough new Gender-Based Violence Act, and is calling for action across government in schools, hospitals and homes.
Chombo says her rise began with her mother and was shaped by her Miss World journey.
“It was never just about looks. Pageantry gave me a microphone and now, I’m using it to change the system.”
