As the 2024 general election approach, Jacob Kelebeng stands out as a dynamic and visionary leader, ready to bring about transformative change to Takatokwane and the broader region.
His remarkable journey from a bright student to a seasoned political activist paints a picture of dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his community.
Kelebeng was born on January 6, 1989, in Letlhakeng, a small village in Botswana less than 100 kilometres from Molepolole. His early years were marked by the influence of his parents, Bishop Tuelo Kelebeng and Jane Kelebeng.
Bishop Kelebeng, a retired mine worker, and his wife Jane, a retired domestic worker, instilled in Jacob a strong sense of discipline, humility, and perseverance. Their values, coupled with the guidance of Jacob’s uncle Timon Kelebeng and his wife Dr Josephine Kelebeng, provided a solid foundation for his future endeavours.
Kelebeng, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, focusing on Political Science and Public Administration graduate from the University of Botswana is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Politics and International Relation from the same university. His commitment to education extends beyond politics, as he has also pursued certifications in long-term and short-term insurance and social media marketing.
Kelebeng’s interest in politics was sparked during his university years. “I was always a bright student and enjoyed engaging in debates on various issues, especially football,” he recalls. His involvement in student politics began in earnest in 2008, when he joined the University of Botswana Student Representative Council (SRC). His passion for sports and student activism led him to contest and win the position of Minister of Sports in the SRC, marking the beginning of his political journey.
During this time, he met influential mentors such as Thatayaone Gaoboitaole, Gomolemo Motswaledi, Botsalo Ntuane, Ndaba Gaolothe, Wynter Mmolotsi, Gilbert Mangole, Dumelang Saleshando, Dithapelo Keorapetse, and Duma Boko. These encounters were pivotal, shaping his political views and reinforcing his commitment to activism.
“Winning the SRC elections and meeting these mentors was a turning point. They inspired me to pursue politics seriously and make a difference,” Kelebeng reflects.
Jacob’s political career is marked by a series of significant roles and achievements. From Minister of Sports in the UB SRC, he went on to serve as President of the UB SRC twice, in 2012 and 2014. And was instrumental in several key initiatives, including advocating for supplementary exams and opposing the cost-sharing initiative by the Ministry of Higher Education during his tenure. These efforts demonstrated Jacob’s dedication to student welfare and his ability to effect positive change.
In 2012, Jacob was a founding chairperson of the Botswana National Student Union, further solidifying his leadership in student activism. His contributions to the African Union Youth Club in 2015/16 and his presidency of the AP Youth League from 2017 to 2020 underscore his commitment to youth empowerment and development.
Kelebeng views his candidacy for Takatokwane in the 2019 elections as a significant milestone in his political career. Although he did not secure the seat, his perseverance and dedication to his community remained steadfast. “Even though I didn’t win in 2019, I continued working on community projects and staying involved in political activities,” he says.
In 2024, Kelebeng is once again a parliamentary candidate for Takatokwane under the BNF/UDC banner. His campaign is centred on a vision for multi-sector rural development, encompassing agriculture, rural industries, infrastructure, and inclusiveness.
Kelebeng’s political achievements are numerous and impactful. As the SRC President, he successfully convinced the UB Senate to introduce supplementary exams, a move that has saved many students from failure.
“It was a significant victory for student rights,” Jacob notes. His efforts to oppose the cost-sharing initiative and fight against the ban on political activism at the university highlight his commitment to student and democratic rights.
His tenure as youth league president saw him provide legal representation to expelled students, a testament to his dedication to justice and fairness. His representation of Botswana on international leadership platforms, including in China, Zambia, and South Africa further underscores his commitment to global leadership and diplomacy.
One of Kelebeng’s proudest achievements is the Student Leadership Mentorship Programme, which he started in 2012 at Nanogang Junior Secondary School. This programme, which has since expanded to other schools across the country, aims to mentor and empower young leaders. “I’m proud of the mentorship programme and the positive impact it has had on students,” Jacob says. Kelebeng’s community building initiatives include constructing houses for disadvantaged families in Thamaga and Borolong village near Francistown. His focus on charity work and business development training in Takatokwane underscores his commitment to improving the lives of his constituents.
Kelebeng’s core beliefs in social democracy drive his focus on policies that promote rural development, community-driven initiatives, and sustainable tourism. His commitment to improving food security, building social capital, and creating jobs, especially for youth, reflects his dedication to comprehensive and inclusive development.
Kelebeng’s political career has not been without challenges. He faced suspensions and expulsions during his time at the University of Botswana, which he successfully challenged in court. “Navigating these challenges was tough, but it taught me resilience and the importance of standing up for what I believe in,” he recalls.
One notable controversy occurred when he was elected as the youth league president, and incumbent members attempted to illegally postpone the congress. Despite this, Jacob’s leadership was validated by youth structures across the country. “The situation was challenging, but it highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in leadership,” he says. Looking ahead, his short-term goal is to secure a parliamentary seat and influence policymaking for the benefit of Takatokwane and the western region.
His long-term vision includes becoming part of the executive to implement policies that drive economic growth and development. “I want to see Takatokwane and the entire western block become significant economic hubs in Africa,” he declares.
Jacob Kelebeng is excited about the upcoming initiatives and campaigns planned for Takatokwane. “We have many exciting projects in the pipeline, and we’re ready to unveil them as time goes on,” he says. His commitment to transforming Takatokwane and making it a better place for its residents remains unwavering.
His remarkable journey from a bright student to a seasoned political activist paints a picture of dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his community.
Kelebeng was born on January 6, 1989, in Letlhakeng, a small village in Botswana less than 100 kilometres from Molepolole. His early years were marked by the influence of his parents, Bishop Tuelo Kelebeng and Jane Kelebeng.
Bishop Kelebeng, a retired mine worker, and his wife Jane, a retired domestic worker, instilled in Jacob a strong sense of discipline, humility, and perseverance. Their values, coupled with the guidance of Jacob’s uncle Timon Kelebeng and his wife Dr Josephine Kelebeng, provided a solid foundation for his future endeavours.
Kelebeng, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, focusing on Political Science and Public Administration graduate from the University of Botswana is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Politics and International Relation from the same university. His commitment to education extends beyond politics, as he has also pursued certifications in long-term and short-term insurance and social media marketing.
Kelebeng’s interest in politics was sparked during his university years. “I was always a bright student and enjoyed engaging in debates on various issues, especially football,” he recalls. His involvement in student politics began in earnest in 2008, when he joined the University of Botswana Student Representative Council (SRC). His passion for sports and student activism led him to contest and win the position of Minister of Sports in the SRC, marking the beginning of his political journey.
During this time, he met influential mentors such as Thatayaone Gaoboitaole, Gomolemo Motswaledi, Botsalo Ntuane, Ndaba Gaolothe, Wynter Mmolotsi, Gilbert Mangole, Dumelang Saleshando, Dithapelo Keorapetse, and Duma Boko. These encounters were pivotal, shaping his political views and reinforcing his commitment to activism.
“Winning the SRC elections and meeting these mentors was a turning point. They inspired me to pursue politics seriously and make a difference,” Kelebeng reflects.
Jacob’s political career is marked by a series of significant roles and achievements. From Minister of Sports in the UB SRC, he went on to serve as President of the UB SRC twice, in 2012 and 2014. And was instrumental in several key initiatives, including advocating for supplementary exams and opposing the cost-sharing initiative by the Ministry of Higher Education during his tenure. These efforts demonstrated Jacob’s dedication to student welfare and his ability to effect positive change.
In 2012, Jacob was a founding chairperson of the Botswana National Student Union, further solidifying his leadership in student activism. His contributions to the African Union Youth Club in 2015/16 and his presidency of the AP Youth League from 2017 to 2020 underscore his commitment to youth empowerment and development.
Kelebeng views his candidacy for Takatokwane in the 2019 elections as a significant milestone in his political career. Although he did not secure the seat, his perseverance and dedication to his community remained steadfast. “Even though I didn’t win in 2019, I continued working on community projects and staying involved in political activities,” he says.
In 2024, Kelebeng is once again a parliamentary candidate for Takatokwane under the BNF/UDC banner. His campaign is centred on a vision for multi-sector rural development, encompassing agriculture, rural industries, infrastructure, and inclusiveness.
Kelebeng’s political achievements are numerous and impactful. As the SRC President, he successfully convinced the UB Senate to introduce supplementary exams, a move that has saved many students from failure.
“It was a significant victory for student rights,” Jacob notes. His efforts to oppose the cost-sharing initiative and fight against the ban on political activism at the university highlight his commitment to student and democratic rights.
His tenure as youth league president saw him provide legal representation to expelled students, a testament to his dedication to justice and fairness. His representation of Botswana on international leadership platforms, including in China, Zambia, and South Africa further underscores his commitment to global leadership and diplomacy.
One of Kelebeng’s proudest achievements is the Student Leadership Mentorship Programme, which he started in 2012 at Nanogang Junior Secondary School. This programme, which has since expanded to other schools across the country, aims to mentor and empower young leaders. “I’m proud of the mentorship programme and the positive impact it has had on students,” Jacob says. Kelebeng’s community building initiatives include constructing houses for disadvantaged families in Thamaga and Borolong village near Francistown. His focus on charity work and business development training in Takatokwane underscores his commitment to improving the lives of his constituents.
Kelebeng’s core beliefs in social democracy drive his focus on policies that promote rural development, community-driven initiatives, and sustainable tourism. His commitment to improving food security, building social capital, and creating jobs, especially for youth, reflects his dedication to comprehensive and inclusive development.
Kelebeng’s political career has not been without challenges. He faced suspensions and expulsions during his time at the University of Botswana, which he successfully challenged in court. “Navigating these challenges was tough, but it taught me resilience and the importance of standing up for what I believe in,” he recalls.
One notable controversy occurred when he was elected as the youth league president, and incumbent members attempted to illegally postpone the congress. Despite this, Jacob’s leadership was validated by youth structures across the country. “The situation was challenging, but it highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in leadership,” he says. Looking ahead, his short-term goal is to secure a parliamentary seat and influence policymaking for the benefit of Takatokwane and the western region.
His long-term vision includes becoming part of the executive to implement policies that drive economic growth and development. “I want to see Takatokwane and the entire western block become significant economic hubs in Africa,” he declares.
Jacob Kelebeng is excited about the upcoming initiatives and campaigns planned for Takatokwane. “We have many exciting projects in the pipeline, and we’re ready to unveil them as time goes on,” he says. His commitment to transforming Takatokwane and making it a better place for its residents remains unwavering.
