Identity & Early Life

Mosadi Muriel Seboko was born on 7 June 1950 in Ramotswa, Botswana, the tribal capital of the BaLete. Her name, Mosadi, means “woman” in Setswana.

Rise to Leadership

She became the Paramount Chief (Kgosikgolo) of the Balete on 7 January 2002, making her the first woman in Botswana to hold such a position. Her appointment challenged long-held customs that reserved leadership for men.
Despite resistance from some traditionalists, she maintained that her right to the chieftainship came from birthright, not gender, as she was the eldest child in her family.
She was formally crowned on 30 August 2003, marking a significant milestone in Botswana’s cultural history.

Leadership and Influence

Mosadi Seboko has also served as Chairperson of the Ntlo ya Dikgosi (House of Chiefs) between 2002 and 2004. She is widely respected for her progressive leadership style and her advocacy on key social issues, including women’s rights, HIV/AIDS awareness, and land ownership.

She has been central in several important land-related cases defending the rights of her tribe, particularly around tribal land ownership. These efforts strengthened her reputation as a defender of community rights and a leader unafraid to challenge established systems.

Broader Significance

As Botswana’s first female paramount chief, Mosadi Seboko has become a national symbol of women’s empowerment and leadership. She demonstrates that traditional authority can evolve to reflect modern values of equality and justice.
Her tenure has helped redefine what leadership means in a traditional African context—balancing respect for heritage with a forward-looking vision that embraces inclusivity and reform.