Doctor by day, Queen by night

Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Wednesday September 25, 2024 13:17

The glittering affair showcased the best of Botswana’s beauty, talent, and cultural diversity, as the country prepares to send its next queen to represent Botswana at the Miss Universe competition in Mexico this November. The highly anticipated event saw Dr Thanolo Keutlwile crowned the Miss Universe Botswana 2024. The runners-up, or princesses, were equally impressive. Leila Anderson was named the First Princess, while Sebaga Manyapetsa took the Second Princess title. The event featured three parades: the African attire, swimsuit, and evening gown segments, allowing the contestants to display their poise, confidence, and style. In the African attire segment, contestants donned designs by the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology Fashion and design students, a testament to the event’s collaboration with the university. This partnership not only added a creative touch to the pageant but also demonstrated the synergy between fashion, education, and pageantry. The vibrant African designs celebrated Botswana’s cultural heritage and showcased the creative potential of local talent.

Limkokwing University’s Academic Management Regional Director, Onalenna Phambuka, expressed the institution’s pride in partnering with Miss Universe Botswana. “We are honoured to be part of this journey. Creativity is at the heart of what we do, and this event has allowed us to nurture bold and innovative minds,” she said. Phambuka further announced that the winner of Miss Universe Botswana would receive a scholarship to study a programme of their choice at Limkokwing University, reinforcing the pageant’s commitment to empowering young women beyond the stage. The swimsuit parade was a highlight of the evening, with Bangu Montsho walking away with the Best Swimsuit award for her outstanding confidence and stage presence. The elegance continued in the evening gown segment, where Michelle Ramotshwarapula clinched the Best Evening Gown award for her grace and poise. Other special awards presented during the night included Miss Popularity, which was awarded to Manyapetsa, Miss Congeniality, won by Setho Monaka, and Miss Photogenic, claimed by Khumo Kailane. These awards recognised not only the beauty of the contestants but also their personalities and connection with the audience. The grand finale was not just about the crowning of the queen but also a celebration of collaboration and partnerships. Virgin Active Fitness Centre, another key sponsor, pledged its support to the contestants’ physical fitness and wellness journey. Tembi Male, Sales Marketing representative for Virgin Active, announced that the top three winners would receive complimentary memberships at the fitness centre, further promoting the importance of health and fitness in the beauty industry. Miss Universe Botswana national director, Safie Sekgwa, emphasised the global platform that Miss Universe offers and its alignment with Botswana’s Vision 2036.

“Miss Universe is the world’s biggest beauty competition, and it gives us the opportunity to market our country’s diamonds, arts, culture, and tourism on a global stage,” Sekgwa said. He urged the contestants to seize this opportunity to grow their careers and emphasised the role that the platform plays in empowering women and building their self-confidence. Sekgwa also reminded the audience the historic moment in the Miss Universe competition when Mpule Kwelagobe won the crown in 1999, making Botswana a name to remember on the world stage. He encouraged the contestants to follow in her footsteps and use the Miss Universe platform to elevate their careers and personal growth. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the winner, Keutlwile, who will represent Botswana at the Miss Universe competition in Mexico on November 16.

The new Miss Universe Botswana queen is set to leave the country on October 27 to begin her preparations for the international pageant. This year’s Miss Universe competition promises to be another opportunity for Botswana to shine on the global stage, as the queen takes the responsibility of showcasing the nation’s beauty, talent, and cultural heritage to the world. With the pageant concluding on such a high note, Botswana’s representative will now embark on her journey to Miss Universe ready to make the country proud in Mexico. The Miss Universe Botswana 2024 grand finale was a night of celebration, empowerment, and inspiration, highlighting the importance of pageantry in shaping the future of young women while promoting the country on the international stage.