Kedise hopeful of leading BNFYL
Melvin Kedise, a 24-year-old is throwing his name in the hat for one of the most influential roles in youth politics, President of the Botswana National Front Youth League (BNFYL). For Kedise, this is more than just a political ambition. It is personal.
Born and raised in Tsopeng North Ward, Lobatse, with family roots in Kanye, Kedise says the BNF has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember. “Politics was not something I stumbled into; I was born into it,” he says. “The values of social democracy, justice, and fairness have shaped how I see the world. This is more than politics to me, it is identity.”
Kedise holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Management) and a Certificate of Proficiency in Long-Term Insurance. He has also worked in both the corporate and insurance industries, experiences he believes have sharpened his leadership and communication skills. Outside of formal work, he has been actively involved in Junior Chamber International (JCI), where he picked up vital skills in public speaking, leadership, and organising all of which laid the groundwork for his political journey.
His campaign, which runs under the banner, “The Vanguards of Change,” is focused on revitalising the BNF Youth League and creating platforms for meaningful youth engagement. “Our slogan is ‘Empowering Tomorrow, Reforming Today.’ We want to bring the League back to life, make it bold, visible, and truly representative of young people across Botswana.”
If elected, Kedise says his first order of business will be building a Youth League that is active, inclusive, and driven by young people’s actual needs. His top five priorities include, skills development and innovation programs for youth, strengthening and expanding the Youth League across all regions, leveraging digital tools for political education and outreach, advocating for better youth policies around jobs, education, and equity, and reforming the League’s constitution to give it more independence.
Kedise believes the time has come for young people to move from the sidelines to the frontlines of national politics. “Young people are not just leaders in waiting; we are the ones who should be shaping the future now. We need to take part in policymaking, challenge outdated systems, and drive the conversation forward.”
To connect with the youth across the country, his team plans to launch a BNFYL podcast and youth-led magazine, host leadership workshops and regional training sessions, establish innovation hubs and digital upskilling programs, and lead a national campaign encouraging youth to vote and participate in democracy. His campaign team, a group of 16 young leaders from various parts of the country represents a cross-section of Botswana’s youth. “This is not just my journey. It’s a team effort, and everyone brings something valuable to the table,” he says.
Kedise is also hoping to build strong partnerships with both local and international organisations that are focused on youth empowerment, innovation, and civic engagement. “We want to work with NGOs, tech companies, universities, anyone who is serious about uplifting young people and giving them the tools to succeed,” he explains.
He also sees social media as a vital part of modern-day political organising. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube are central to his campaign strategy, and he plans to use them to educate and engage young Batswana. “We are making politics relatable and accessible. Not everyone reads manifestos, but they will watch a reel or join a Twitter Space.”
Of course, the road has not been smooth. Kedise admits that limited resources, apathy among youth, and internal political resistance have made things difficult. He however remains hopeful. “Every struggle has only made me more committed,” he says. “I am doing this because I believe in it, not for a title, but for the people who need a voice.”
If given the opportunity to lead, Kedise says he hopes to be remembered as the person who helped breathe new life into the BNF Youth League and made it truly youth-driven. “I want to leave behind a structure that works, one that empowers, educates, and inspires the next generation.”
To the young people who are still unsure about participating in politics, Kedise says: “Do not wait to be invited. Build your own table, bring your ideas, and speak your truth. Politics needs fresh voices. It needs your voice.”
His lobby list include the Secretary General is Koziba Masaseng from Takatokwane.