UB politics shapes future leaders
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday April 13, 2026 06:00
Across the political spectrum, youth leaders maintain that UB student politics not only nurtures leadership skills but also plays a significant role in strengthening local democracy.
Notably, UB has produced a long list of prominent political figures who have gone on to shape the country’s governance landscape. Among them are President Duma Boko, Leader of the Opposition (LoO) Dumelang Saleshando, former LoO Botsalo Ntuane, former Minister Fidelis Molao, current Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Nelson Ramaotwana, current Minister of Sport and Culture Jacob Kelebeng, Health Minister, Dr Stephen Modise, Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa and former Minister of Youth Sport and Culture Tumiso Rakgare, among others.
These individuals, many of whom rose through the ranks of student leadership, underscore the university’s long-standing influence on national leadership. In an interview on Wednesday, June June, the president of the Botswana Congress Party Youth League emphasised that UB student politics differs significantly from that of other tertiary institutions.
He explained that UB’s political environment extends beyond campus boundaries, thereby giving it national relevance. “I believe this is because many of these students, after completing their tertiary education, go on to contest positions within political party youth leagues,” he said. “Additionally, UB political structures are often aligned with national political parties, and even the manner in which elections are contested reflects a higher level of political organisation,” he stated.
Moreover, June said that UB students wield considerable influence in Botswana’s general elections. He added that as a result, political parties closely monitor student political activities and concerns, recognising their potential impact on broader electoral outcomes. He further pointed out that the availability of academic programmes such as political science equips students with a deeper understanding of governance, policy, and their role in society, thereby strengthening their participation in national discourse.
Similarly, Tumelo Legase of the Botswana National Front Youth League echoed similar sentiments, stressing that UB students have historically played a key role in amplifying the collective voice of young people, particularly on issues affecting governance. “UB students consistently play a major role in shaping the collective voice when it comes to engaging government,” he said. “Indeed, the university continues to produce leaders, and history clearly demonstrates that,” he said.
Legase further pointed out that the Botswana National Front (BNF) has, for many years, maintained an affiliate student structure at UB known as the Mass. This structure, he explained, ensures that the party remains connected to youth perspectives, particularly those emerging from academic environments. “The Mass has been instrumental in ensuring that the party incorporates student views into its broader agenda,” he said. “This allows the BNF to maintain a vibrant youth voice informed by current social and political issues, ” he asserted.
Furthermore, Legase said that the influence of UB student politics is not confined to the campus alone. In some instances, he said, student voting patterns and activism have had a measurable impact on electoral outcomes, particularly in key constituencies such as Gaborone Central. “In certain elections, UB students have played a role in determining the direction of constituencies like Gaborone Central,” he said. “Their participation, therefore, cannot be underestimated,” he emphasised.
At the same time, Legase acknowledged that while UB remains a dominant force in student politics, other tertiary institutions in Botswana are gradually becoming more influential. This shift, he suggested, reflects a broader trend of increasing youth engagement in national issues. “Even other tertiary institutions are beginning to assert their influence, although UB still sets the benchmark,” he said. “This growing participation is a positive development for democracy as it broadens representation.”
For her part, BDP National Youth Executive Committee chairperson Bokamoso Modibedi said that, indeed, student politics influences national politics. 'We have seen current and former ministers, MPs and so on emerge from student politics. It’s a good thing to harness their love for politics as well as their educational background, and so we try by all means to recruit them,' she indicated. Modibedi also added that their influence is immense, to the point that the minister of tertiary education had to increase the allowance recently due to student pressure. Additionally, the president also had to stand up and address the nation on the economic situation, so I agree that Student politics is influential,' she noted.
However, despite these positive assessments, public perception remains divided. Critics argue that the prominence of UB student activism sometimes leads to disproportionate government attention, particularly during protests. Nonetheless, political youth leaders insist that such attention is justified, given the students’ ability to articulate issues and mobilise effectively.
In addition, analysts point out that UB’s strategic location enhances its visibility and accessibility to policymakers, further amplifying its influence. Consequently, student leaders often engage directly with government officials, ensuring that their concerns are heard at the highest levels. Equally important, the culture of debate and political engagement at UB continues to foster critical thinking and active citizenship among students. “This environment not only prepares them for leadership roles but also contributes to a more informed and participatory democracy,” a political scientist at UB said.
While debates about influence and access persist, political analysts said there is a broad consensus among political stakeholders that UB will continue to serve as a vital incubator for the country’s future leaders. Ultimately, the political analyst said the enduring impact of UB student politics lies in its ability to bridge the gap between academic discourse and real-world governance. “By nurturing informed, engaged, and ambitious young leaders, the university continues to shape the trajectory of Botswana’s political landscape, reinforcing its reputation as a cornerstone of democratic development,” a political analyst revealed.