From Miss World Africa to Youngest Minister: Lesego Chombo Shares Her Journey
Lesego Chombo, the 26-year-old beauty queen who won the Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024 crowns, has made history by becoming Botswana’s youngest cabinet minister. According to a report by the BBC, Chombo was appointed by President Duma Boko as the minister of youth and gender, a position that has made her one of just six female MPs in the 69-member National Assembly.
In an interview with the BBC at the ministry’s headquarters in the capital, Gaborone, Chombo expressed her pride in being young and passionate about youth development, gender equality, and the development of children. "I’ve never been more proud to be young," she said. "I’m a young person living in Botswana, passionate about youth development, gender equality, but also so passionate about the development of children."
Chombo’s journey to becoming a minister was unexpected, even to herself. She did not campaign to be an MP, but was instead appointed as a specially elected member of parliament. "I got appointed by a president who had never met me," she said. "Miss World and the journey that I thought I was supposed to pursue as my final destination was only the platform through which I would be seen for this very role."
It was her crowning as Miss Botswana in 2022 that raised her profile and enabled her to campaign for social change, while trying to inspire other young women. The Jang news provider reported that Chombo used her platform to set up the Lesego Chombo Foundation, which focuses on supporting disadvantaged youngsters and their parents in rural areas.
As reported by Jang, Chombo’s foundation is still active, with projects funded by corporate companies and others. Her appointment as minister has also given her a larger platform to make a difference in the lives of young people and women in Botswana.
Chombo’s story is an inspiration to many young people, especially women, who are looking to make a difference in their communities. As the Jang news provider reported, Chombo’s journey is a testament to the fact that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
The news of Chombo’s appointment as minister was met with excitement and admiration from many in Botswana. As reported by BBC, Chombo’s story is a remarkable one, and her passion and dedication to her work are an inspiration to many.
In conclusion, Lesego Chombo’s journey from being a beauty queen to becoming the youngest cabinet minister in Botswana is a remarkable one. Her story, as reported by Jang and BBC, is an inspiration to many young people, especially women, who are looking to make a difference in their communities.
