Vice Chairperson of the Botswana National Sports Commission, Tebogo Sebego hopes to see more women on the African continent venture into leadership positions in sport.
Hailing from Mochudi in Botswana, Sebego has played a vital role in the growth of sport to date.
Apart from being well known for her current duties, Sebego has previously played basketball, table tennis and netball.
Over the years, Sebego has been honoured for her impressive work, including BNSC Chairperson’s Special Award in 2010 and Botswana National Sports Council Sports Administrator of the Year in 2014.
As a leader in the game, her advice to those who want to take leadership roles is to stay true to their intentions and to never compromise on their integrity.
Speaking with Tlamelo Kganakga, Sebego chats more about her career hightlights and reveals women she draws inspiration from.
Tebogo, thank you for chatting to us! For the benefit of our readers, please can you tell us about yourself.
I am an avid sports lover and get excited when I can contribute positively to my community. My professional life is in Public Relations and Communications. I am mom and a wife from Mochudi in Botswana.
I am the Vice Chairperson of the Botswana National Sports Commission. The commission is set up by the Act of Parliament and is responsible for the development of sports in Botswana.
When and where did your love for sport begin?
I started playing netball in primary school and fell completely in love. I’ve also played basketball and table tennis. I’m a former captain for both the Under 21 and national teams for Botswana netball. I was President of Botswana Netball for 10 years and Africa Netball for 8 years.
What are some of the challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?
On the sporting side, the majority of the challenges related to managing and leading diverse teams and people. Consultation and bringing people along by getting their buy in has been my strongest advantage.
What are some of your career highlights?
I’ve worked in various industries including telecommunications, medical emergency services, courier industry, heritage and financial sector.
In sports these include:
- Africa Union Sports Commission Zone 5 Medal Award for Meritorious Contribution to women Sports Winner in 2016;
- Botswana National Sports Council Sports Administrator of the Year in 2014;
- BNSC Chairperson’s Special Award in 2010; and
- BNSC Young Sportswoman of the Year Award in 1996.
Which sportswomen do you admire and why?
Amantle Montsho (Athletics Botswana) she is versatile and has proven that hard work pays. Mwai Kumwenda (Netball Malawi), she is one of the first black African players to play internationally and she continues to soar to greater heights.
Taking up leadership roles in male-dominated set up’s can be tough. How do you handle it on a daily?
Leading in a male-dominated industry has its challenges. To get the respect and support I ensure that I am always prepared and know the subject matter on my areas of delivery very well.
Why is it important for women to take up space in leadership roles, especially in sport?
Leadership including sport’s leadership requires diverse thinking and women need to bring that to the table. Also, more girls and boys need female role models.
In your observation, do you think enough women are taking leadership roles on the African continent where sport is concerned?
Not enough women are leading sports. This trend is not changing fast enough, and we need more women raising their hands.
What’s your advice for women who want to get into sport’s leadership?
Leading sports is tough, so we need to be tougher and know that giving up is not an option. Stay true in your intentions and never compromise on your integrity.
What are you looking forward to for the rest of 2023?
As the sport’s world opens up post Covid-19, I look forward to working towards a rapid growth in the development of Botswana sport.
What’s your greatest career ambition?
In terms of career, my wish would be to retire in the next few years and venture into private business.
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