Chombo’s nomination as one of the six SEMP was endorsed by 45 MPs out of 60 who were present in the house, a reflection of her popularity across all demographics. Although there might have been some dissenting voices, there is no doubt about Chombo’s credentials and the House’s choice of her simply represents the change the youth have been yearning for. It could have been anyone amongst the many capable young people of this country but the spinner pointed to her.
Born on February 7, 1998, Chombo represents a generation referred to as Gen Z. ‘Gen Zs’, a generation born between 1995 and 2012, are known for their radical approach to matters, a group that speaks truth to power, and that’s exactly what Chombo is all about but with a touch of brilliance hugely exhibited in her run up to being crowned Miss World Africa last year.
Chombo, a 26-year-old attorney from Shorobe, is the youngest MP of the 13th Parliament. She is a multifaceted individual who rose to international stardom in 2024 during her journey at the Miss World pageant. A staunch Christian, Chombo was born to Motswanageng Chombo and her mother, Ditebo Chombo.
This was after she was crowned Miss Botswana 2022. But her journey has not been all smooth sailing. When she took the coveted title of Miss Botswana, she found herself having to navigate and emerge from her predecessor, Palesa Molefe’s shadows. The pressure of being compared to the bubbly Palesa was huge for Chombo.
The weight of expectations loomed large, revealing the challenges she faced in winning the hearts of her community. Nonetheless, Chombo embarked on a journey to redefine all in her terms, showcasing her distinctive talents and resilience in the face of skepticism. She quietly worked her way through to prove her critics and supporters alike wrong to become a Miss World title contender and subsequently won the title of Miss World Africa. This speaks to her resilience, belief and commitment to her convictions. In the process of all this, she won the hearts of her nation and made them believe that it was possible.
Chombo is also known for her dedication to justice and community empowerment and uses her platform as Miss World Africa to advocate for positive change. She is the founder of the Lesego Chombo Foundation, which supports disadvantaged youth through initiatives like The Genesis Project. Her journey in beauty pageants and law exemplifies her commitment to uplifting others and making a meaningful impact.
According to Chombo’s biography on the Miss World website, her achievements extend beyond her professional life. She enjoys playing the guitar, singing, and participating in sports such as baseball and swimming. Her dedication to her community and her multifaceted talents make her a role model for many.
“Her work continues to inspire others with her advocacy and philanthropic efforts. She uses her platform to educate and empower, striving to create a more inclusive society. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination and the impact one individual can make,” reads the biography in part.
Chombo’s career is a blend of legal expertise, advocacy, and community service. After earning her law degree, she began practicing as an attorney in Botswana. Her legal career is marked by a strong commitment to justice. Her multifaceted career includes roles as a promotional model, entrepreneur and speaker, showcasing her versatility and commitment to making a positive impact. Her work in beauty pageants and law highlights her commitment to making a positive impact and could be exactly the voice and the change the youth yearned for when they took to the polling stations on October 30 to cast their votes.
