Kebaitse’s vision for women in politics
At just 37, Kelebogile Kebaitse has done much for herself and her party, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), but she remains grounded.
The BCP Women’s League aspiring President served as Treasurer of the BCP Youth League, and was once in Taolo Lucas’ campaign team, managing social media and logistics before Lucas became a Member of Parliament. In 2016, she attended a leadership seminar by the International Union of Socialist Youth Africa Committee in Pretoria, took part in a Women’s Academy for Africa (WAFA) training in Maputo, Mozambique in 2018 before being invited by WAFA to train other women in politics in Harare, Zimbabwe the following year. The Voice staffer, DANIEL CHIDA speaks to the woman who looks determined to take the BCPWL to greater heights.
Who is Kebaitse?
I am a woman from Molepolole with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Botswana, along with various certificates in leadership, business, and training of trainers. My professional background includes working as a teacher, and for the past four years, I have served as an Assistant Administrator and Research Officer in the Selibe Phikwe East Constituency. I am currently transitioning into business, details to be revealed in due course to avoid political interference or sabotage.
Who has inspired you to be in politics?
Leadership has come naturally to me from a young age and I have held leadership positions since primary school. I believe this is due to my strong work ethic, resilience, and confidence in participating and speaking out. I am drawn to spaces of progress and service.
Why the Women’s League Presidency?
I previously contested for the position of Secretary for Political Education and lost. That experience taught me valuable lessons and helped me identify gaps in the League’s structure. I believe now is the right time to contest for the presidency. The BCP is a major opposition party, and I bring fresh energy, innovation, and a clear plan to attract, empower, and inspire more women to join and participate meaningfully in the party.
What can be expected of your Presidency?
As per my team slogan (RevivingHerBCP) if elected, my priority will be to revive and strengthen the women’s structures across the country. These structures must be active, empowered, and used to mobilize and support women. My team will focus on fundraising to ensure we can implement programs and campaigns that bring visible, measurable impact. We want to lead a remarkable turnaround in how the League operates.
What are your thoughts on women’s political participation?
Despite ongoing efforts, women’s political participation remains low. We need to re-strategize and modernize our approach. The BCP Constitution is progressive as it mandates that all structures include at least 30% women. We must now translate those quotas into action through empowerment, visibility, and support..
How about in the BCP?
The BCP has commendable quotas for women and youth, which create opportunities. These should be fully utilized to empower women and prepare them for leadership roles. Inclusion must go beyond numbers it should be about actual participation and impact.
What is it that you consider to be the most pressing and urgent issue affecting women in Botswana?
Gender-based violence (GBV) is the most pressing issue. If elected and with resources permitting, I would prioritize launching a national GBV awareness and intervention campaign. It must be community driven from ward level upwards so that every citizen is involved in creating safer spaces for women.
How will the BCP address them if given an opportunity?
The BCP must invest in grassroots-driven campaigns and policy advocacy, especially through the Women’s League. Empowered women at community level can drive change. We also need to form partnerships with NGOs and professionals to address these social ills holistically.
How does Kelebogile define women’s empowerment in the current political climate of Botswana?
In Botswana, women’s political empowerment is still low, mainly due to limited access to resources. Until women are trained and supported in resource mobilization, they will continue to face structural barriers in politics. Empowerment must be economic, educational, and political.
Which gaps or missed opportunities do you believe justify the need for a new leadership direction?
A major gap is the neglect of women’s structures, which have weakened over time. This has resulted in opportunities being concentrated among a few. We need a leadership that rebuilds the structures, decentralizes opportunities, and keeps women engaged through regular programs and training.
How do you intend to reposition the League to have stronger influence within the BCP and national politics?
I intend to reposition the Women’s League by making it visible, vocal, and vibrant. We will ensure that women are not just included but active contributors in all policy discussions and campaigns. The League must produce thought leaders, campaign strategists, and candidates for public office. We will strengthen collaboration with civil society, youth, and international partners to bring fresh ideas and elevate our influence in national politics.
How do you plan to unite the League amid potential tensions from leadership contests?
Leadership contests can bring tension, but that tension should be temporary if we truly love our party. Democracy is built on contestation and healthy debate. I believe unity will prevail if we focus on the bigger picture which is strengthening the BCP and serving the people.
What role do you believe the Women’s League can play in securing electoral success for the BCP in the 2029 elections?
The Women’s League is critical to BCP’s success in 2029. Women are the majority of the population. The more we empower, mobilize, and inspire women, the more votes we will secure. An active Women’s League means stronger outreach and better voter engagement.
What is your message to those who consider you young?
Age should not disqualify anyone from leadership. I am a fully mature woman, managing a family, and I bring both experience and passion. I have been tested and have grown through the ranks. My leadership is grounded in action, not age.
