Lesego Chombo

Lesego Chombo (born 16 April 1998) is a Motswana politician, attorney, and former beauty pageant titleholder. She is currently serving as Botswana’s Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs since November 2024 and is the youngest person to hold a ministerial post in the country's history.^[1][2] Before entering politics, she practiced law and gained public recognition through national and international beauty pageants, including winning Miss Botswana (2022) and Miss World Africa (2024).^[3]

Lesego Chombo
Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs of Botswana
Incumbent
Assumed office 11 November 2024
Preceded by	Tumiso Rakgare (Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture)
Personal details
Born	(1998-04-16) April 16, 1998 (age 27) Shorobe, Botswana
Citizenship	Botswana
Nationality	Motswana
Parent(s)	Othusitse Motswanageng Chombo and Ditebo Chombo
Education	University of Botswana

Early life and education

Born in Shorobe, a village in Botswana’s North-West District, Lesego Chombo grew up in a culturally rich community. Despite economic challenges, she excelled academically and showed early leadership potential. Her dedication to social justice led her to pursue a law degree at the University of Botswana.^[4] While studying, she became actively involved in student organizations and community projects, which laid the groundwork for her commitment to using her legal expertise to advocate for equity and justice. She has experience practising as an Attorney at Law for two years prior to her journey in the world of beauty pageants.^[5]

Career

Legal profession

After completing her studies, Chombo launched her legal career with an internship at Baliki Corporate Law. She later joined Kebabonye Business Law, eventually becoming an associate. Her aspirations include establishing her own law firm to empower marginalized communities by providing accessible legal services. Chombo’s work in law has been defined by her focus on community advocacy and social justice, earning her recognition as a transformative leader in the legal field. In November 2024, President Duma Boko nominated her to the National Assembly, where she was subsequently appointed Minister for Youth and Gender Affairs.^[3]

Beauty and fashion

Chombo's journey in beauty pageants began with her win in the Queen Esther competition in 2012. Her advocacy for gender equality and education gained momentum when she was crowned Miss Women Empowerment in 2017. In 2022, her national prominence grew after winning the Miss Botswana title. Her achievements in 2024 as Miss World Africa spotlighted her ability to use her platform to address critical developmental issues across Africa.

Political career

Lesego was inducted to the National Assembly of Botswana as a specially elected MP.^[A] on 7 November 2024.^[1][2] Her appointment to the position of Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs was announced by President Duma Boko on 11 November 2024; she became the youngest person to hold ministerial office, at age 26.^[3]

Personal life

Chombo enjoys playing the guitar, singing, and engaging in sports like baseball and swimming. She is a devout Christian.

Philanthropy

Chombo runs a foundation that supports underprivileged youth by providing resources for education and empowerment. She also runs an online platform, Law Talks, dedicated to helping people understand complex legal matters.

Endnotes

1. According to the Government of Botswana, specially elected MPs are chosen by leaders of political parties represented in Parliament to ensure broader representation.^[1]