Born in Serowe on May 17, 1966, Daisy Bernitta Bathusi has carved out a remarkable career in politics, driven by a passion for social democracy and human rights.
Her educational background includes a postgraduate degree in Strategic Diplomacy from the University of Johannesburg, an Associate Membership of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries (ACIS) from Wits University, and a B-Tech Diploma in Hospitality and Institutional Operations from Derby College of Further Education in the UK.
Bathusi says her political career was inspired by her parents, Radithobolo Keabilwe and Violet Pihelo (Letebele) Keabilwe. Her father, a driver for DeBeers and a significant figure in Botswana's labour movement, taught her the importance of fighting for one's beliefs and advocating for the rights of others. Her mother, a housekeeper, instilled in her strong family values and resilience. Bathusi credits her parents for shaping her into the politician she is today.
"My parents were my greatest role models," Bathusi says. "My father's dedication to labour rights and my mother's unwavering support for family and community deeply influenced my path."
Bathusi's early encounters with racial discrimination and sexual harassment further fuelled her commitment to justice and equality. "Surviving these experiences made me more determined to fight for the rights of the marginalised and less privileged," she reflects.
Bathusi's political journey began in March 2011 when she joined the Botswana Congress Party (BCP). She quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Boteti East constituency treasurer and was later elected as Boteti Regional
Chair, a BCP Central Committee position.
Her dedication and leadership led to her election as President of the BCP Women's League in 2015, and she has continued to hold significant roles, including Deputy Secretary General of the Women's Academy for Africa (WAFA) and Secretary of Labour in the BCP Central Committee.
"I believe in social democracy, which promotes an inclusive democracy and social and economic justice for all," Bathusi explains. "My core political beliefs align with the BCP's policies, and I prioritise those that promote an inclusive agenda."
Throughout her career, Bathusi has achieved significant milestones, including petitioning for the adjustment of waste removal rates in Letlhakane, addressing declining education standards in Botswana, and highlighting alarming gender-based violence (GBV) statistics through social media campaigns.
She has also championed the socio-economic rights of communities hosting extraction companies and elevated the profile of the BCP Women's League as a key advocate for women's rights in Botswana.
"I am particularly proud of my campaigns for the empowerment of women into leadership, addressing GBV, and advocating for the socio-economic rights of communities," Bathusi notes.
Despite facing challenges such as sexual harassment and unfounded controversies, Bathusi remains resilient and committed to her goals. She aims to win the 2024 Boteti East constituency elections and become the best Member of Parliament in the history of the constituency, while continuing to advocate for human rights, especially for the marginalised and less privileged.
"I want to leave a legacy that not only my children, but future generations would be proud of," Bathusi states. "I am committed to being a voice for the voiceless and ensuring that social and economic justice prevails."
As one of the founding members of the Africa End Sexual Harassment Initiative (AESHI), Bathusi continues to lead efforts to combat sexual harassment and promote human rights across the continent. Her unwavering dedication to social democracy and human rights makes her a formidable force in Botswana's political landscape.
Her educational background includes a postgraduate degree in Strategic Diplomacy from the University of Johannesburg, an Associate Membership of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries (ACIS) from Wits University, and a B-Tech Diploma in Hospitality and Institutional Operations from Derby College of Further Education in the UK.
Bathusi says her political career was inspired by her parents, Radithobolo Keabilwe and Violet Pihelo (Letebele) Keabilwe. Her father, a driver for DeBeers and a significant figure in Botswana's labour movement, taught her the importance of fighting for one's beliefs and advocating for the rights of others. Her mother, a housekeeper, instilled in her strong family values and resilience. Bathusi credits her parents for shaping her into the politician she is today.
"My parents were my greatest role models," Bathusi says. "My father's dedication to labour rights and my mother's unwavering support for family and community deeply influenced my path."
Bathusi's early encounters with racial discrimination and sexual harassment further fuelled her commitment to justice and equality. "Surviving these experiences made me more determined to fight for the rights of the marginalised and less privileged," she reflects.
Bathusi's political journey began in March 2011 when she joined the Botswana Congress Party (BCP). She quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Boteti East constituency treasurer and was later elected as Boteti Regional
Chair, a BCP Central Committee position.
Her dedication and leadership led to her election as President of the BCP Women's League in 2015, and she has continued to hold significant roles, including Deputy Secretary General of the Women's Academy for Africa (WAFA) and Secretary of Labour in the BCP Central Committee.
"I believe in social democracy, which promotes an inclusive democracy and social and economic justice for all," Bathusi explains. "My core political beliefs align with the BCP's policies, and I prioritise those that promote an inclusive agenda."
Throughout her career, Bathusi has achieved significant milestones, including petitioning for the adjustment of waste removal rates in Letlhakane, addressing declining education standards in Botswana, and highlighting alarming gender-based violence (GBV) statistics through social media campaigns.
She has also championed the socio-economic rights of communities hosting extraction companies and elevated the profile of the BCP Women's League as a key advocate for women's rights in Botswana.
"I am particularly proud of my campaigns for the empowerment of women into leadership, addressing GBV, and advocating for the socio-economic rights of communities," Bathusi notes.
Despite facing challenges such as sexual harassment and unfounded controversies, Bathusi remains resilient and committed to her goals. She aims to win the 2024 Boteti East constituency elections and become the best Member of Parliament in the history of the constituency, while continuing to advocate for human rights, especially for the marginalised and less privileged.
"I want to leave a legacy that not only my children, but future generations would be proud of," Bathusi states. "I am committed to being a voice for the voiceless and ensuring that social and economic justice prevails."
As one of the founding members of the Africa End Sexual Harassment Initiative (AESHI), Bathusi continues to lead efforts to combat sexual harassment and promote human rights across the continent. Her unwavering dedication to social democracy and human rights makes her a formidable force in Botswana's political landscape.
