04 Dec 2025

Christmas season , a time traditionally known for thanksgiving and marked by exchanging gifts and celebrating with loved ones, former beauty queen, Lebopo Bulayani chose a different path.

Instead of dedicating her birthday, November 24, to personal treats, Bulayani transformed it into a profound day of service.

For Bulayani, giving remains the most meaningful way to honour life, echoing the biblical moment when the wise men brought gifts to baby Jesus.

In a recent conversation, Bulayani shared that the holiday atmosphere inspired her to make her birthday purposeful.

“People expect gifts this time of year. I decided to use my birthday to give something meaningful to those who need it most,” she said.

On November 24, her birthday began with a vital outreach, where she partnered with the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM), through which she donated 120 sanitary pads to girls at Ramotlabaki Primary School in Kgatleng, the community where she grew up.

This act carried a deeply personal memory.

“I have gone to school without a sanitary towel. I know what it means to save a girl’s dignity with just one pack,” she said.

Later that afternoon, the celebrations shifted to children living with autism at Neo Children’s Consults in Mochudi.

She not only celebrated with the children but also addressed parents and guardians, stressing the vital importance of acceptance and support for children with special needs.

“My birthdays have always been about reaching out. I love being around children, especially those living with disabilities or in centres that need more support,” she explained.

She said the children needed love, not isolation and parents also needed encouragement and safe spaces to share and learn. A tender moment stood out, one child quietly held her hand and whispered, ‘thank you.’ Moments like that, she said, reaffirmed her purpose.

Those who had worked closely with Bulayani attest that her influence stretched far beyond annual birthday gestures.

Daphney Phama, an educator and long-time collaborator, described Bulayani as a force of hope and transformation.

“Lebopo is called to make an impact on children. She is a change-maker and if we had a thousand Lebopos, Botswana and the world would be better,” Phama said.

She highlighted that Bulayani had unique ability to motivate students.

“She speaks from experience, showing young people that you can fall and rise again, and that your past does not define your future,” she said.

She noted Bulayani’s unwavering commitment since 2016, covering many spheres, including mentoring and teaching life skills, supporting schools, orphanages and local communities as well as working extensively with children with disabilities.

Phama also praised Bulayani’s impact as an author.

“Her book Orphaned has inspired so many. I wish it were in every school library and part of the curriculum. It is truly impactful,” she said.

Agatha Madikwe, who had worked with Bulayani through school and pageantry programmes, echoed similar praise.

“Lebopo is a true inspiration. She has supported our school for years, grooming the girl child through pageantry, offering her judging expertise and giving her time willingly,” Madikwe said.

Madikwe added that Bulayani did more than just show up as she built bridges in youth development.

“She runs cultural boot camps, speaks in the kgotla and wards about social ills, and gives the youth her time. Not many leaders do that,” she said.

Madikwe further said Bulayani’s work was not just service but a deep-seated purpose, which she walked in with humility, strength and heart.

Through every act, big or small, Bulayani continued to embody the true spirit of the season to give, heal, lift and inspire. As her community attests, her impact transforms not just days, but futures. ENDS