Team Legacy secures BNF Youth Congress win in Kang

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday June 4, 2025 12:11

The congress, which drew a significant crowd and witnessed intense competition, concluded with Team Legacy winning all contested positions. In a closely contested presidential race, Tumelo Legase emerged victorious with 575 votes. His competitors, Carter Joseph and Melvin Kedise, garnered 281 and 313 votes respectively. For the first time in recent memory, the congress attracted a notable level of interest and participation from the youth, reflecting renewed enthusiasm in BNF's political processes. Speaking to The Monitor on Monday following his win, Legase expressed appreciation for the turnout but acknowledged the need for further growth. 'We are happy with the turnout of members at this congress.

However, our goal is to ensure that we have properly functioning and active structures. These numbers are still low, we expected over 3,000 delegates. This clearly shows we have more work to do in reviving our grassroots structures,' he said. Legase revealed that some constituencies were unable to participate due to inactive or nonexistent structures, an issue he considers a major setback to youth involvement. He emphasised the urgency of addressing these organisational gaps if the Youth League is to be a truly national force. One of his immediate concerns is the continued use of an outdated constitution by the Youth League. “Politics has evolved and times have changed,” he said, calling for a thorough constitutional review. Legase said the Youth League operates independently from the BNF’s mother body, and therefore requires a framework that reflects its autonomy and modern realities. Another pressing issue that Legase talked about is that of the Youth League’s chronic lack of funding. Legase noted that over-reliance on the mother body has hindered the league's operations. “We cannot continue depending solely on the mother body. Our activities fail when we don’t receive financial support. We need to find ways to raise our own funds,” he explained.

Looking forward, Legase called for unity amongst the youth. Now that the congress is concluded, he urged all teams to dissolve and work together under one banner. “BNF has won not any specific team. Temporary structures are allowed during the congress period, but once results are announced, unity must prevail. We must now work as one,” he said. When expressing his vision for a more vocal and active Youth League that not only prioritises youth policies but also pushes for the establishment of platforms like a youth parliament to advocate for young people's interests. This how it was voted:

1. Legal Affairs * Oteng Ntau 573 * Laone 551

2. Political Education * Poifo Ditshwene 544 * Laone Ranka 304 * Laone Thojane 278 * Spoilt 25

3. Sports and Culture * Irene Ramontsho (Legacy) 614 * Oabile Kelebeng (Melvin) 275 * K Johaness (Carter) 194 * Spoilt 20

4. Women Affairs * Oarabile Mudongo 559 * Laone Kammaba 294 * Omphile Tshabu 270 * Spoilt 19

5. Labour Affairs * Thatayaone Motsamai (Legacy) 577 * Tshiamo L (Melvin) 289 * Oratile Sekuni (Carter) 263 * Spoilt 14

6. Information and Publicity * Karabo (Legacy) 543 * Kegakilwe (Carter) 258 * Modibedi (Melvin) 380

7. Organising Secretary * Pule (Legacy) 509 * Kenonofile(Melvin) 286 * Kenathata (Carter) 335

8. National Affairs * Larona Maologa (Legacy) 648 * ⁠Matic (Carter) 176 * ⁠Olebogeng (Melvin) 317

9. Control Commission * Keemenao 281 * ⁠Mmoloki 330 * ⁠Oteng 526 * Spoilt 17

10. Administrative Secretary * Judith 281 * Manaka 321 * Tumelo Mojanaga 546 * Spoilt 11

11. International Affairs * Brian 257 * Kgomotso 351 * Tsaone 498

12. Treasurer General *Moara 303 *Bronia 787

13. Deputy Secretary General * Onkutule (Melvin) 247 * Tsotso (Legacy) 552 * Commie (Carter) 340

14. Secretary General* * Koziba (Melvin) 315 * Thero (Carter) 240 * Thabo (Legacy) 571

15. Vice President * Lala 266 * Thuo 277 * Aron Moilwa 584

16. President * Melvin Kedise 313 * Carter Joseph 281 * Tumelo Legase 575