Kelebeng: Fortuitously wooed into politics by sport
Ryder Gabathuse | Tuesday July 7, 2026 15:13
“He won the Takatokwane constituency and I won Tlokweng constituency,” reminisces Segokgo. “He brings that freshness and youthful energy in Parliament and his leadership in the sport and arts fraternity in the country,” Segokgo further says. Most importantly, Segokgo asserts that his political colleague has brought about three Bills to the National Assembly, so far dealing with transformation of the Film industry. The Cinematography Bill in particular, Segokgo says, is a monumental Bill that the country will remember him for. “The successful hosting of the World Relays few months back is one of his achievements so far and I am highly impressed and proud of him, ” Segokgo points out. Interestingly, the Tlokweng Member of Parliament highlights that ‘Jakes’ as the Minister is known to hordes of his supporters was Sports Minister and SRC president at some point at varsity. “So he now handles the Ministry with ease though he found some legacy challenges , but I admire the way he’s dealing with the issues at the Ministry,” observes Segokgo.
Segokgo and Kelebeng met during their formative phase of the opposition Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) when they were in student activism at the University of Botswana (UB). “He became one of the founding members of BMD structure at UB and went on to work tirelessly in the formation of Moono wa Baithuti at the institution. Jakes was a very active youth leader in the BMDYL and the UDCYL when I was the youth president and we travelled the length and breadth of the country canvassing for the UDC,” he tells Mmegi.
In 2019 Segokgo joined the Botswana National Front (BNF) while Kelebeng signed up with the Alliance for Progressives (AP), but they still worked together for the youth of the country. Kelebeng would later join Segokgo in the BNF in 2021, “and we have been working together hitherto,” said Segokgo.
During his childhood days, Kelebeng wanted to be a mining engineer, unfortunately, he wasn’t admitted for BSc general. “So, I ended up going for Economics, before changing to Politics and Public Administration after my path was very clear that I am going to be a politician or a diplomat,” stated Kelebeng, Asked to give a synopsis of how and when he actually started his political journey in earnest, he snapped: “I don’t know if I should say this is a coincidence, but I went into politics because of sport. The story goes like this: When I was at University I got frustrated with how the University’s sport administration was done, I then ended up taking to the podium and advocating for what I believed was the right way to run sport in the University. I campaigned for position of Minister of Sport and won convincingly. So, I have always loved sport and becoming a Minister responsible for sport in Botswana government feels like a full circle moment. In subsequent years, I ran for the SRC presidency and I was elected twice for the position. In short, I caught the political bug in University and I could never free myself from it, hence why I’m here today, doing this job,” says Kelebeng.
“I guess once I opened that Pandora’s box; engaging in university politics, the path led me to active politics as I began to build relationships with ‘comrades’ and eventually became a fully-fledged politician,” he explains what propelled him into politics. “At the time, as well, political parties saw the university as an important battle ground, so they provided us with support and guidance, helping us to mature into strong young leaders. In those moments where we engaged with our political leaders and mentors, I felt inspired to pursue politics seriously,” he states.
Being in Parliament has indeed provided a strong platform for Kelebeng where he represents and advocates for the people. The 13th Parliament led by the majority UDC has been the most effective, he claims.
He credits his party for passing an unprecedented number of Bills to revamp how they do things in the country to set it up to become the prosperous nation it is meant to be. Parliament has passed taxation reforms that seek to ensure government collects more from high earners and cushion the downtrodden communities such as Takatokwane. The Constitutional Court Bill will also ensure that marginalised communities such as his have a voice and are protected from further injustice.
“We boldly and unapologetically welcome the Constitutional Court. We have also passed funding requests which will see to it that we improve our infrastructure such as schools. I have had the privilege of proposing two bills that have been passed by Parliament: The Antidoping Bill and the Cinematograph Bill. There are more in the offing. Part of what has held this country back is outdated legislation. Can you believe that the previous Cinematograph Act was from 1972? Ka nako ya ga Seretse (During Seretse’s era),” he says.
The BNF in Takatokwane and in-fact in the entire ‘Western bloc’ according to Kelebeng, has always had a strong foundation. This, he says is because they have strong veterans that have over the years contributed to the growth of the party such as, Filbert Nagafela (former MP). Young activists are also rising up and taking up space in this course to mobilise and organise for the party in the constituency and they are most grateful to them.
Quizzed whether he would definitely retain the constituency if the elections were to be called tomorrow, the Minister was certain of victory.
“Most assuredly, I have no doubt that our people still have faith in the Umbrella for Democratic Change. The people of Takatokwane in particular still have faith in me to continue representing their interests. The human rights approach of our government, and our President, Boko has been a welcome development in our constituency and the country at large,“ he concludes.
He says the people, who have been marginalised for long periods of time now feel valued and recognised. The introduction of Sekgalagadi, and other native languages for broadcasting news, the imminent introduction of the Constitutional Court and the review of the Constitution to him is potent demonstration that this government recognises that the people are created in the likeness of the creator and are deserving of equality, dignity and justice.
Before joining the BNF, he had been the Youth League President of the AP which is a partner and friend of the BNF. Currently he has not taken up any position in the BNF structures. He prefers to see what the future holds.
One of the youngest Cabinet members in the Boko-led government, Kelebeng, is grateful for the privilege of serving as Minister in the government. However, he stated that it comes with an intense schedule. Typically, his week is organised in advance by his Private Secretary. A normal day for him begins with a morning run, by 0730hrs and he arrives in the office and begins the day’s engagements. These involve briefing with Ministry officials, meeting with stakeholders and public engagement where he would be officiating. The day often extends into the evening, with additional meetings, official functions, or constituency-related responsibilities. But of course, he tries to loosen up the schedule from time to time so he can dedicate sometime to himself and loved ones.
Kelebeng has a very good relationship with his councillors and constituents especially the ordinary people in the community.
“I receive countless calls from them every single day as they engage me and my office on matters affecting them. I’m always grateful to hear from them, because I remain their deployee and they have a right to summon at anytime.
“When I’m available I always try to participate in activities taking place in the constituency. Just this past weekend Motokwe hosted a well-organised horse race event that we believe is destined to become a premier sport event in the country. I was part of this event,” he tells Mmegi.
He always does his best to be available for the constituents. And is also glad that they know and understand that the responsibility they have given him, and the trust President Boko has shown in their decision, by making him a Minister, means that he will sometimes be unavailable for funerals, weddings and other events. At the UB, he was inspired to join politics by one brother of his. His name is Thatayaone Gaboitaolelwe, but there are many people, including the late Gomolemo Motswaledi.
Kelebeng lists amongst others his father, the late Motswaledi, Nagafela and President Duma Boko as his role models. His father was active in the mining trade unions in South Africa many decades ago. So, when he came back to Botswana, he was active in BNF politics and had this strong spirit of advocacy that Kelebeng junior believed rubbed off on him even as a little boy. That was before he quit active politics and became a Bishop. Issues bedeviling Takatokwane constituency are many and varied. What does the legislator do to ensure he articulates and overcome troubles in his area? “Statistically, Takatokwane is the poorest area in the whole of Botswana. We are therefore, grappling with extreme levels of poverty and lack. We are also lagging behind on infrastructure development that will enable effective provision of services such as education and health care,” he says. “We are also battling with high youth unemployment. All these problems require immediate and long-term interventions. I have spoken on these issues in Parliament during the SONA and budget speeches. I believe though that the interventions that we have formulated, and some that we are in the process of formulating, will address some of these issues.”
He is however, glad that the Letlhakeng-Salajwe road which is a necessity for the people has been included in the NDP 12 as he has strongly advocated for it. Kelebeng also hopes that the revamping of TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) will have a major impact in the area as they have many gifted young people that require the right support and technical training to succeed in life.
He added: “Increasing the old age pension is also most welcome in a community such as ours where our grandparents play a major role in the upbringing of our young children. I have also formed the Kelebeng Foundation which supports students with scholarships.” Currently, they have 20 young people from Takatokwane enrolled at Limkokwing University for certificate and Diploma programmes. Another student is studying for a degree programme in India through their support. They are also building homes for the less privileged through their partnership with various organisations. They have also built three houses so far. “These interventions will go a long way in uplifting our people, ensuring we build the community that we all want,” he reveals.
Since entering the National Assembly after winning the Takatokwane seat in 2024, Kelebeng has been active both as an MP and Minister. He has outlined plans to overhaul the Sports Law through the committee of supply speech in which he outlined plans for a new overarching Sports Act and an Anti-Doping Bill. The goal, he says was to cover safeguarding, integrity, commercialisation and to set up a National Anti-Doping office so Botswana stays credible globally. The revised Bill is expected for Parliament in July sitting.
Kelebeng has also told the National Assembly that the new government wants to review board appointment processes from the previous administration including the National Arts Council (NAC) board. He also addressed the dismissal of the former NAC CEO saying they are seeking an amicable solution.
As an MP, Kelebeng has promised to transform his constituency from the poorest area in the country to a thriving community with education, infrastructure and support for vulnerable groups. He has even set up Jacob Kelebeng Foundation for houses, scholarships and other opportunities.
To those in the know, Kelebeng’s political journey has been fast tracked for someone who is pretty 36. He went from student politics, opposition parties, MP and Minister in under 15 years. Between 2010-2014, that’s when it all started as he was active in the UB SRC as articulated by Segokgo. Kelebeng had served first in the SRC at varsity. First, he served as SRC minister of sports, then he became SRC president. He was also a founding chair of Botswana National Student Union.
His early party political activism includes plying his trade at the BMD, AP and BNF. After university, the Minister joined the BMD and would later move to the BMD splinter, AP. In 2019 he contested the General Election under the AP, but lost to the then ruling Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) candidate. After a soul-searching, post 2019 General Election, he opted for the BNF. In 2024, he contested in his home constituency under BNF ticket and won. He would then become the youngest elected MP in the 13th Parliament at 35 years with Specially Elected MP, Lesego Chombo later taking the title from Kelebeng as the Baby of the House. He would later be rewarded with a Cabinet post by President Boko. Despite his age, Kelebeng is framed as a seasoned campaigner. Takatokwane is a rural constituency located at the western part of Botswana with its headquarters based in Letlhakeng village, which is part of Kweneng District, right in the Kalahari Desert. Statistics show that the main village of Takatokwane had a population of 1,590 people in the 2001 census and the broader village and associated localities had 4,341 people in the 2022 census. The constituency was in fact established in 2002 with registered voters as per the latest constituency list standing at about 11,746. In the 2024 polls, Kelebeng had made a strong comeback winning the polls via 7,246 votes against the BDP’s 3,540 votes. Takatokwane is described as one of the poorer rural areas.
Besides his political interest, Kelebeng is into a few sports, both from playing them and following them. In an interview carried in a local publication, he is a chess player, karate and a bit of football.
During his school days at the UB, he was the SRC minister of sport and was involved in Books League, intervarsity games, CUCSA and BOTESSA games. He has also shown affection for horse racing. The Minister also calls football his first love and now in his current role as Minister of Sport and Arts, he has expressed his love “for all sporting codes.” Besides sport generally, Kelebeng continues to show enthusiasm in the creative industry which he considers to be about economic empowerment, cultural preservation and inspiring future generations.
He has also been pushing funding, platforms for local artists, copyright protection via COSBOTS, national film studio and tax incentives. Kelebeng wants Batswana artists on Google, Tiktok, Meta, streaming services and international festivals so that artists should not be limited by geography. He enjoys his morning runs. Also, the Minister likes going to the gym a couple times a week when his schedule allows.The minister is also, a football fan. Locally he supports all the teams, in Europe he admirers the English Premier League Champions, you know who they are right? -Arsenal. Kelebeng is a married man. He has a loving wife and family that have been a source of his strength and inspiration for in this tough terrain called politics and life.