Maleshoane “Ladybird” Mphutlane is a performing artist born in Botshabelo and has always centred her community in her work as a poet and gender equality activist. Maleshoane began her cultural career in 2002 as a Sesotho Traditional Dancer which set her on her path as a poet. She entered several different competitions and explored various artistic endeavours. In 2008 she was one of the finalists in the SABC Lentswe Poetry Competition and also won the June 16 Lejweng Poetry Club Competition
