Lesego Chombo
{{Short description|Motswana politician, attorney and beauty pagaent title holder}}
{{Infobox officeholder
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| image = Lesego Chombo, 2022.jpeg
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| order = Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs of Botswana
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| term_start = 11 November 2024
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| predecessor = Tumiso Rakgare (Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture)
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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1998|04|16}}
| birth_place = Shorobe, Botswana
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| citizenship = Botswana
| nationality = Motswana
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| parents = Othusitse Motswanageng Chombo and Ditebo Chombo
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| education = University of Botswana
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Lesego Chombo (born 16 April 1998) is a Motswana politician, attorney, and former Miss World pagaent 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.{{Cite news |last=Mashamaite |first=Modiegi |date=7 November 2024 |title=From the catwalk to parliament: ex-Miss Botswana Lesego Chombo accepts new president’s nomination as MP |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/lifestyle/2024-11-07-from-the-catwalk-to-parliament-ex-miss-botswana-lesego-chombo-accepts-new-presidents-nomination-as-mp/ |access-date=11 November 2024 |work=Times Live}}{{Cite news |date=7 November 2024 |title=Former Miss Botswana Lesego Chombo sworn in as MP |url=https://jang.com.pk/en/24657-former-miss-botswana-lesego-chombo-sworn-in-as-mp-news |access-date=11 November 2024 |work=Daily Jang}} 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).
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.{{Cite web |last=Chombo |first=Lesego |date=2024-02-09 |title=Lesego CHOMBO - BOTSWANA |url=https://www.missworld.com/contestant/lesego-chombo/life/profile |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Lesego Chombo - Miss World 2023 Botswana |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Chombo |first=Lesego |date=2024-02-13 |title=Miss World Botswana, Lesego Chombo |url=https://www.missworld.com/contestant/lesego-chombo/life/i-am-lesego-chombo- |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Lesego Chombo - Miss World 2023 Botswana |language=en}}
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[https://www.kebabonye.co.bw/], 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.{{Cite web |last=Okumu |first=Anne |last2=Khisa |first2=Brian |date=2025-05-11 |title=Lesego Chombo: Miss World Africa beauty queen and Botswana's youngest cabinet minister |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1mev5ygk0yo |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}
= 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.{{efn-ua|According to the Government of Botswana, specially elected MPs are chosen by leaders of political parties represented in Parliament to ensure broader representation.}} on 7 November 2024. 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.
Personal life
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
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References
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{{Miss World 2023 delegates}}
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Category:Members of the National Assembly (Botswana)