Former Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo (26), has exchanged a life of glamour and style for lawmaking.
She has been appointed as a member of parliament (MP) in the country’s new administration.
The former beauty queen was named as a specially-elected MP as new Botswana president Duma Boko starts his presidency.
According to the Botswana government, specially-elected MPs are selected by leaders of political parties represented in parliament.
“I believe all my experiences, my qualifications as an attorney, even my experience as Miss World Africa and Miss Botswana, as a young person really make me qualify,” Chombo says.
“I’m willing to learn and am looking forward to learning and growing. This is the new Botswana that we strive for,” she says.
Chombo, who is an attorney, is one of six individuals and one of three women nominated by Boko and endorsed by parliament for a specially-elected seat.
She won the Miss Botswana title in 2022 and went on to be crowned Miss World Africa 2024.
Chombo is the founder of the Lesego Chombo Foundation, and is dedicated to uplifting marginalised communities.
“Beyond the courtroom, I’m dedicated to educating and empowering others. Through my online platform ‘Law Talks’ I share legal insights and advice with ordinary citizens, empowering them to navigate legal complexities with confidence.
“My commitment to justice extends to my philanthropic endeavours as well,” she says.
In addition to her work in law and charity, Chombo made her mark on the global stage earlier this year when she represented Botswana at Miss World 2024.
Competing against 111 other candidates at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India, she finished in the top four and earned the title of Miss World Africa 2024, cementing her position as one of the continent’s rising stars.
Chombo is joined in parliament by several notable individuals, including former minister of trade and industry Bogolo Kenewendo.
Kenewendo, an economist, has returned to parliament for a second term as a specially-elected member after previously serving between 2016 and 2018.
Other newly appointed MPs include former MP and retired major general Pius Mokgware, Moeti Mohwasa, the secretary general of the Botswana National Front, Steven Modise, a private medical practitioner, and Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, a senior lecturer at the University of Botswana. – TimesLIVE
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