It was a day of cheers, emotions, and history in the making at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), as students took to the polls in what can only be described as the most dramatic SRC election in recent memory. When the final votes were tallied, the campus witnessed a groundbreaking moment: Ms. Pono Kimberly Morutwe was declared the new SRC President — and not just any president, but the first female to ever take the helm.

The race was tight — razor thin, in fact. Ms. Morutwe clinched the win with 427 votes, edging out her opponent Mr. Precasto Lefiri by just one single vote. Yes, you read that right: one vote was the difference between making history.

Reflecting on her win, Ms. Morutwe didn’t hold back her gratitude. “I’m in this position today because you all took time out of your busy schedules to vote and make this a reality,” she said, clearly moved. “Lastly, that one vote was from God. Ke lebogile go menagane,” she added, a phrase that struck a heartfelt chord with many.

But the presidency wasn’t the only headline of the day. This election signaled a wave of change, with the student body electing a record number of women into office. Out of the 14 ministries, an impressive 10 are now led by female leaders — a clear message that the students are ready for a new era of inclusive, diverse, and empowering leadership.

The rise in female leadership is more than just symbolic. It reflects BIUST’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and its vision for a more representative and collaborative student government. With more women at the table, there’s fresh hope for dynamic problem-solving and policy-making that speaks to the needs of a diverse student population.

As Ms. Morutwe and her fellow ministers settle into their new roles, expectations are high — and so is the optimism. This isn’t just a leadership team. It’s a movement. And it’s one that students and future generations at BIUST will remember as the one that changed everything.