Botswana’s Hope on global stage
Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Tuesday November 19, 2024 09:07
Her journey in pageantry goes far beyond crowns and sashes. Segaetsho embodies a powerful message of resilience, community, and cultural pride. Now, as she prepares to represent Botswana on an international stage in Cape Town, South Africa, at the Miss Pre-Teen Hope International competition, her aspirations reflect not just personal achievement but a deep desire to bring the spirit of Botswana to a global audience. Segaetsho’s entry into pageantry came naturally, beginning in small local competitions when she was very young. Yet, even then, her goals were not merely about appearance. “When I first joined pageantry, I thought it was just about being a role model,” she shared. “But with time, I realised it was a platform to reach out and bring light to my community. Pageantry has allowed me to make people smile and use my voice to inspire others,” she added.
Her dedication to using pageantry as a platform for positive change reveals her vision for leadership and community service, qualities that now define her work and her goals. Representing Botswana internationally is not only a dream for Segaetsho but a tremendous honour. “For me, representing my country is a huge, exciting role because it gives me a chance to sell Botswana to the world,” she said passionately. “I’ll be sharing with them the richness of our culture, our wildlife, our peace, and our values as Batswana.” Her excitement is palpable as she discusses the chance to promote Botswana’s unique natural beauty and cultural heritage. From the Okavango Delta to the nation’s deep commitment to peace and community, Segaetsho aims to leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets in Cape Town. She sees this role as an opportunity to act as a true ambassador, not just for herself but for the entire country. Her platform for asthma awareness speaks to her dedication to community service, a cause close to her heart. Having seen the impact asthma has on people’s lives, Segaetsho has committed herself to educating school children about its symptoms, causes, and management. “It’s painful to see people suffering because of something that can be managed,” she shared. “My hope is to reduce asthma cases in schools and make learning environments safer for everyone,” she said. This commitment has led her to tirelessly reach out to schools and communities, even in the face of challenges like securing presentation opportunities and limited sponsorship. Yet, her resilience remains unshaken. “Hope Pageants Botswana has given me the resilience to overcome obstacles, and my family has been my backbone,” she said, expressing her gratitude to the community for the support that keeps her moving forward. Preparing for the international stage has been intense and multifaceted.
Segaetsho has spent countless hours training in public speaking, cultural representation, and etiquette. “Hope Pageants has been there with me every step, providing me with the training I need to be my best self,” she noted. She’s also taken every opportunity to attend other pageants and events, gaining invaluable exposure and confidence. Her preparations reflect a commitment not only to excel in competition but also to serve as an authentic representative of Botswana’s culture and values. One of Segaetsho’s key messages is the importance of self-confidence and inner strength, especially in today’s world of social media pressures. “It crushes my heart to see young people losing confidence because they feel they need to fit into unrealistic ideals,” she shared. “God created each of us for a purpose, and it’s okay to be different.” Her words serve as an empowering reminder to others that beauty lies in self-belief, kindness, and authenticity. Her motto, Hope to the Hopeless, captures her mission to uplift others, offering encouragement to anyone struggling with self-worth or purpose. As she heads to Cape Town, Segaetsho has a heartfelt message for her supporters back home.
“To all my lovely Batswana, thank you for your warmth and encouragement. I am where I am because of you. Le kamoso le kamoso o monngwe.” For Segaetsho, this journey is only the beginning. She envisions a future of advocacy, mentorship, and service, committed to using her experiences to benefit her community and inspire others. Segaetsho represents a new generation of beauty queens where grace, strength, and purpose go hand-in-hand. As Botswana watches with pride, Segaetsho’s journey serves as a reminder of the power of young voices, proving that even the smallest light can shine brightly on the world stage.