The Lawyer steering Botswana’s youth politics toward renewal
Botswana’s political future increasingly rests on the shoulders of its young leaders, and few embody this promise more than Carter Joseph, the current vice president of the Botswana National Front Youth League (BNFYL). A Maun-based attorney with deep rural roots, Joseph represents a new generation of politically engaged youth determined to reshape the country’s political landscape.
Born and raised in the village of Tamasane, Joseph’s upbringing exposed him early to the social inequities that persist in Botswana’s rural areas. Educated at Kgatadimo Junior, Kgagodi, and Mmadinare Senior Secondary School, he witnessed firsthand gaps in opportunity that limit many youths’ potential.
Driven by a passion to challenge these inequalities, Joseph pursued higher education with determination. After obtaining his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 2022, he enrolled for a Master of Laws (LLM) degree at the University of the Free State. By late 2022, he was admitted as an attorney-at-law, as well as a Conveyancer and Notary Public, now practicing with LLP Attorneys in Maun. He believes his legal background equips him with the tools necessary to advocate effectively for youth rights and reforms.
Joseph’s political involvement began in 2018 when he joined the Botswana National Front (BNF), drawn by the party’s foundational commitment to social justice and empowerment of the marginalized. His engagement with student politics at the University of Botswana where he served as Minister of Justice (2019–2020), Minister of Student Affairs (2020–2021), and President (2021–2022) of the Student Representative Council, provided a vital platform to develop his leadership skills and political voice.
At the heart of Joseph’s leadership agenda for the BNF Youth League is a comprehensive strategy focused on recruitment, visibility, and organizational vibrancy. He envisions broadening the league’s membership by reaching out to young people across Botswana, ensuring that the BNF’s presence extends into every district.
Joseph champions modernization within the party, proposing the adoption of market-related approaches such as a revamped membership system and the decentralization of administration to regional offices. He also plans to revive political education initiatives, including the establishment of a BNF library and a dedicated research center to bolster informed activism.
A critical priority for Joseph is the urgent review and reform of Botswana’s national land and education policies areas he identifies as crucial to addressing youth disenfranchisement and fostering equitable opportunity.
Under Joseph’s stewardship, the BNF Youth League is not only a political force but also a platform for direct community impact. The ongoing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Legal Clinic offers pro bono legal support to survivors nationwide, reflecting the league’s commitment to social justice. Simultaneously, the “Kang Cleaning Up” campaign seeks to engage youth in community service and environmental stewardship.
Addressing unemployment , a persistent challenge facing Botswana’s youth, Joseph advocates for support of government research aimed at economic diversification, particularly in innovative sectors such as solar energy, sustainable technologies, and artificial intelligence. This approach aims to reduce youth reliance on donor funding and foster economic empowerment within the league.
Education reform remains a pillar of his agenda, with plans to conduct comprehensive research designed to enhance the quality and relevance of Botswana’s education system. Politically, Joseph seeks to cultivate a vibrant youth culture, ensuring that young people find participation in politics both attractive and impactful.
Despite facing the perennial challenge of limited financial resources, a constraint that hampers campaign reach and operational capacity, Joseph remains resolute in his mission to galvanize Botswana’s youth politically.
Looking forward, he envisions leaving a legacy of a revamped BNF Youth League, one that is influential in shaping national policy, advocating youth-focused reforms, and empowering a generation of leaders ready to steer Botswana into the future.
“Our future lies in our hands. Only through active participation can we ensure a Botswana that is just, equitable, and prosperous for all. I urge my fellow youths to rise, take responsibility, and shape the destiny of our beloved nation”, Carter said.
Central to Joseph’s campaign is his lobby list, known as Team Visionary Force ,at the helm is Vice President Thuo Letlotlo (Kgalagadi North), supported by Secretary General Thero Keiponye (Jwaneng Mabutsane) and Deputy Secretary Keitiretse Motlogelwa (Molepolole North). Financial oversight falls to Treasurer General Ofentse Nkwe (Tlokweng), while Administrative Secretary Manaka Mashoma (Tswapong North) ensures internal coordination. Organising Secretary Kenathata Mmono (Goodhope-Mmathethe) leads mobilisation efforts, complemented by Publicity Secretary Lesego Kegakilwe (Thamaga-Kumakwane) on communications. International and diplomatic relations are steered by Bryan Ramaphane (Mmopane-Metsimotlhabe), and Keemenao Ngaka (Shoshong) oversees commission control. The team’s policy and political direction is shaped by Laone Ranka (Kanye West), while gender inclusivity is championed by Cde Lone Kemmaba (Kanye East), and labour representation is handled by Bernard Sekuni (Ghanzi). National development matters fall under Letlhogonolo Letshwiti (Gabane-Mmankgodi), with Vincent Rantshokeng (Mass BNF) guiding legal affairs, and Kesaobaka Johannes (Kgatleng) promoting sports and cultural integration.