Lesedi Gaeemelwe is a distinguished multi-award-winning children’s author, educator, and arts enthusiast whose dedication to literature and child empowerment has earned her both national and international recognition. As a passionate advocate for literacy, she has made significant contributions through her writing, public engagements, and activism, fostering a love for reading among young audiences and championing meaningful social causes.
A Literary Journey Rooted in Education and Advocacy
Lesedi’s literary career took flight with the release of her debut children’s book, Little Ngwana Stories, in November 2020. This heartwarming collection of tales quickly garnered critical acclaim and provided her with opportunities to serve children both locally and internationally. She regularly conducts book reading sessions, including weekly engagements at the Gaborone Children’s Library under the Botswana National Library Services, Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, as well as quarterly reading sessions at Ramacity, Gauteng, South Africa.
A significant milestone in her career came when Little Ngwana Stories was approved by the Gauteng Education Department as official reading material for school libraries in the 2024/2025 academic year. To ensure accessibility, the book has been translated into Setswana, Braille (by the Mochudi Resource Centre for the Blind), and Hindi (by the Bible Society of India). Additionally, her creative works have been featured in numerous anthologies, including The Peculiar Tree by Gaborone Book Festival, which featured her fictional story Stars Draw Near.
Academic and Professional Accomplishments
Beyond her literary contributions, Lesedi has an impressive academic background. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Management) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Botswana, as well as an MBA in International Business from AMITY University, India. As a dedicated educator, she serves as a business subjects teacher at Kgale Hill CJSS, using her platform to inspire and empower the next generation.
Accolades and Recognition
Lesedi’s remarkable achievements have been acknowledged through numerous prestigious awards, including:
- AfriCAN Honoree Authors Award 2021 (Johannesburg, South Africa)
- Mulher Forte African Literature Award 2022
- PANAFES Excellence Award 2022 (Gaborone, Botswana)
- Botswana Literature Award 2023
- Image Magazine Personality of the Year Award 2023 & Global Brand Ambassador (Gauteng, South Africa)
- Africa 40 Under 40 Award Nominee 2024 (Nairobi, Kenya)
- 2024 Africa’s Under 40 CEOs Awards Summit Honoree (Kampala, Uganda)
- 2024 Southern African Change Catalyst Award (Johannesburg, South Africa)
A Voice in Poetry and Publishing
Lesedi’s literary influence extends beyond children’s literature, as her poetry has been featured in internationally recognized anthologies such as:
- Earth Poetree 2022
- Chronicles from Africa 2022
- African Poetree Collection 2023
Her short story Stars Draw Near was selected for presentation at the International Gaborone Book Festival 2022 and is set to be included in the Botswana National Online Children’s Literary Project by the Mastercard Foundation.
Lesedi has also contributed significantly to publishing and media as the former editor of Colourful Chronicles Magazine and a current columnist for Resurrect Magazine and Y-News Digital International.
Leadership, Advocacy, and Public Engagement
Beyond literature, Lesedi plays an active role in various social and professional initiatives. She serves as:
- Chief Judge at the Botswana Women Achievers Awards
- Vice President of the Botswana National Board of Directors for Youth for Christ
- 2023/2024 Image Magazine Global Brand Ambassador
- Former President of KASAPA Society and Former Chairperson of KASA Awards
- Secretary of Ban Pitbulls in Botswana Campaign, advocating for child safety
Her impact extends into the public speaking arena, where she has served as a coach at the Miss Unified Botswana boot camps, a moderator for Resurrect Magazine high tea talks, and a motivational speaker at OYC Arts Konnect seminars, among other engagements.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Lesedi Gaeemelwe is more than just an accomplished author—she is a changemaker, an educator, and an advocate for children’s literacy and social empowerment. Through her books, public engagements, and activism, she continues to shape the literary landscape while making a tangible impact on communities across Africa and beyond.
Her work stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping young minds, preserving cultural heritage, and inspiring future generations.