Gaothuse Beats 29 Others For Miss Teen International Botswana

Ame Motimane | Monday April 29, 2019 13:14

The pageant attracted 30 contestants from all over Botswana on Saturday at the Mantlwaneng Theatre at Westwood International School.  Girls between the age of 13 and 18 competed for the prestigious title. Tutume-born teenager, Gaothuse in the end snatched the title, becoming the first to be crowned queen.

The auditions for the beauty pageant started in October last year around the country. The young girls were not only judged by how well they walked in their stilettos or how perfect their smiles are, but they were also judged based on character and how well the girls interacted with each other. The entire process started five months ago.

Pageant coordinator, Michelle Ashley told Showtime that during the bootcamp, the girls were not allowed to share accommodation with their friends so as to keep an eye on how they treated strangers as well as to see if they understood the spirit of sharing.

She further stated that the young girls were encouraged to come up with projects that will improve and develop their communities, something that was a rarity in pageantry.

The queen walked away with P10,000 cash prize, and tuition and outfits worth P10,000. She will also get mentorship from Diamond Pageantry Academy to prepare her for the world stage where she will be representing Botswana in India in December.  

After tough competition between 30 ambitious girls, the time everyone was anxiously waiting for finally neared as the top three where chosen.

 “I am honoured to be crowned Miss Teen International Botswana, I am lost for words. I knew I am a winner but I never expected to be the winner today,” said Gaothuse, 17, expressing her happiness.