Chombo’s pageantry and leadership years
LESEGO CHOMBO: Pageant queen turns pollical powerhouse
Lesego Chombo is far more than just a beauty queen; she’s a national treasure; a dynamite focused on making a profound difference. Her journey, which began with her Miss Botswana 2022 win, has unfolded into an extraordinary narrative of leadership and impact.
Initially, some had their doubts about her suitability for the Miss World stage. Little did they know, she was a hidden gem, an undeniable asset for the nation. With her striking presence, elegant demeanor, and confident stride, she was perfectly poised to represent Botswana at Miss World 2024, two years after her crowning.
The world was in for a pleasant surprise when it was revealed that Chombo is, in fact, an attorney. This revelation underscored her sharp intellect, and she quickly proved to be one of Botswana’s most remarkable Miss World contestants in history, arguably rivaling Emma Wareus, who was crowned Miss World Africa 2010 and placed as first princess.
As the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover, and Chombo truly was a gemstone. Her brilliant, articulate answers at the Miss World stage left the judges captivated, her confidence shining through every word. She knew exactly what she wanted and why she was there.
The world watched as Chombo continued to turn heads, blown away by her intelligence, composure, and resilience. This meteoric rise saw her become the youngest recipient of the Presidential Honor Award, a clear sign of even greater things to come. In late 2024, the new government, under President Duma Boko, made history by appointing Chombo as the youngest Member of Parliament in Botswana’s political landscape.
As if that weren’t enough, she was also entrusted with a cabinet position, becoming the youngest minister to lead the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs. In this pivotal role, Chombo is tasked with crafting and implementing policies to empower the nation’s youth, while simultaneously championing gender equality and equity. She faces the daunting challenge of eradicating or significantly reducing the devastating rates of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which tragically claim countless lives in Botswana almost daily.
Chombo has wasted no time in spearheading initiatives and projects aimed at curbing this epidemic, actively engaging with various stakeholders to combat the overwhelming situation. Her legal acumen as an attorney is proving to be a powerful tool in her arsenal, allowing her to approach these complex issues with strategic insight.
While she doesn’t possess a magic wand to solve all youth-related challenges, her dedication and strategic approach are making a tangible difference. Just this week, she engaged civil society organizations in a significant step towards strengthening collaboration for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
This crucial partnership comes on the heels of the launch of the Botswana Gender Assessment Report, a document that meticulously outlines trends and opportunities to advance gender equality in the country.
Meanwhile, Chombo has remained steadfast in her commitment to supporting the underprivileged members of society through her Lesego Chombo Foundation. This past week, her foundation received a generous donation of over P500,000.
This is following her powerful appearance on Family Feud Botswana in South Africa, a sum that will undoubtedly be channeled towards supporting the foundation’s vital activities. Lesego Chombo is truly a force to be reckoned with, demonstrating that passion, intellect, and dedication can move mountains.
