Multi award-winning attorney and governance expert Njiramanda Mbewe Boatey has been appointed as a Member of the Botswana Refugees Committee (BRC), following a Presidential Directive implemented by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services under the Refugees (Recognition and Management) Act, 2024.
She will serve a three-year term, helping the Committee carry out its mandate of Refugee Status Determination (RSD) while advancing Botswana’s commitment to protecting refugees in line with national legislation and international legal obligations.
The appointment further strengthens Mbewe Boatey’s impressive public service portfolio. She is the Founder and Managing Partner of Mbewe Legal Practice, Commissioner of the National Gender Commission, Vice Chairperson of the National Arts Council of Botswana, Chairperson of BONELA, and Founder of the Sewelo Mentorship Programme.
Her contribution to the legal profession and governance has earned her international recognition, including the Leadership in Law Award in Singapore, the Community Champion Award in London, and the Nelson Mandela University Rising Star Alumni Award in South Africa.
Responding to the appointment, Mbewe Boatey thanked President Duma Gideon Boko and Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Nelson Ramaotwana for entrusting her with the responsibility.
She described the appointment as “life coming full circle,” dedicating the milestone to her late father, who migrated from Zambia to Botswana in pursuit of a better life and passed away during the Christmas week of 2025.
“As a Motswana, I accept this appointment with humility and a deep commitment to serve Botswana with integrity, fairness and compassion,” she said.
Her appointment reflects Botswana’s continued efforts to strengthen institutions responsible for refugee protection while drawing on experienced professionals to uphold fairness, accountability and the rule of law.
