Legase raises his hand for BNFYL presidency

At just 27, Tumelo Legase is hoping to steer the Botswana National Front Youth League (BNFYL) into what he terms, "a new era of ideological and structural renewal.”A councillor at Kgatleng District Council and University of Botswana graduate with a Degree in Physics and Meteorology, Legase has officially declared his candidacy for the BNF Youth League presidency. The BNFYL will hold its elective congress at the end of this month in Kang.Legase’s political roots run deep. Born and raised in Mochudi in a family with longstanding BNF ties, his father was a party veteran and former councilor in the Kgatleng Central constituency. While he acknowledges the influence of his upbringing, Legase insists his commitment to the BNF was solidified through his own convictions, especially during his time in student politics.He cut his political teeth at the University of Botswana, where he served as Secretary General of the Botswana National Union of Students, Minister of Academic Affairs in the Student RepresentativeCouncil (SRC) and ultimately SRC President. Within the party structures, he serves as Publicity Secretary for the BNF Youth League.With years of political organising behind him, Legase is now turning his attention to what he describes as “revitalising and restructuring” the Youth League. His campaign is anchored in five core priorities: constitutional reform, revival of political education, digital expansion, grassroots mobilisation, and the establishment of a youth parliament.He proposes the Youth League Congress to amend the league’s constitution, arguing that its current form no longer serves the needs of the modern political landscape. Central to his vision is the reintroduction of political education programs rooted in the BNF’s ideological traditions, which he believes are essential in cultivating politically conscious youth.Legase also plans to harness the power of digital platforms, proposing the creation of a BNF website, podcast, and online membership system. He believes these tools will increase the party’s accessibility and appeal to younger demographics who consume content digitally.A national rollout of youth structures is also part of his plan, aimed at building stronger local and regional youth representation within the party. Legase further advocates for a youth parliament, an institutional platform where young people can contribute directly to national policy debates.Another notable proposal is his call to revise the Youth League’s age classification from the current 16–39 to 18–35, aligning it with international norms. He says this change would clarify the definition of youth and bring consistency to youth-focused leadership roles.Addressing youth unemployment, one of the country’s most pressing issues, Legase calls for the restructuring of academic programs to better align with the demands of the job market. He promises broader consultations with young people across Botswana to identify solutions that reflect their realities. “There can be no solutions for young people without young people in the room,” he says.Despite his enthusiasm, Legase is candid about the personal toll of political life. “The packed schedules can be overwhelming, and you often sacrifice family time. The combative nature of politics can also take a mental toll,” he admits.However, he says the sacrifices are worth it if they lead to greater youth participation in national development. He is encouraging young people across the country to step into politics, arguing that their involvement is not only necessary but urgent. “It’s the decisions made today that will shape our lives tomorrow. We must be part of that process.”While he remains focused on the Youth League presidency, Legase is careful not to speculate on long-term ambitions. For now, his eyes are firmly set on strengthening the BNF Youth League from within, restoring its relevance, and positioning it as a credible voice in Botswana’s political discourse.Legase’s lobby list include his running mate, Aaron Moilwa (Padi North) as Deputy President and others in different portfolios.

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Legase raises his hand for BNFYL presidency