Miss Botswana top 30 unveiled
Dumisani Ncube | Tuesday August 29, 2017 16:54
The 30 models were selected after the Miss Botswana team conducted auditions in Gaborone, Maun and Francistown in the past weeks.
“We have done auditions in several places and are confident that we have in place the fairest of the girls who auditioned, and indeed, of our country.
It is never an easy job because our women are so beautiful,” said Miss Botswana pageant coordinator Dorcas Thobega said.
This time around the pageant has a tough competition, as the top 30 finalists comprises of experienced models that have previously participated in Miss Botswana and other local and international pageants. They include seasoned models such as Khumo Leburu, Uua Murangi, Modioki Gaborone and Neelo Nthobatsang.
The new faces also have some character to compete with the experienced models, which will make the competition much more interesting.
With the 30 models selected they will be going through a series of three boot camps starting this Saturday at a location in Gaborone, where they will be drilled on different aspects such as sports, traditional dance, public speaking and etiquette by experts in the respective fields.
Thobega stated the boot camp period would be used for vetting the top 12 finalists that will participate in the grand finale.
“We have not yet concluded on the price money that will be awarded to the queen and runner ups, we are still in talks with sponsors. We have also agreed that when the queen wins she will not be given all the money immediately after the finale.
She will be given half upon winning and the other when her reign ends so that they stay focused and aligned to their duties,” Thobega said.
She went on to say this year’s prize money will not be a huge sum compared to last year since it was a celebration for the 50th queen. The prize money for last’s pageant was P300,000.
“This year the prize money will be general like any other years apart from last year which was a jubilee pageant.”
Miss Botswana 2017 top 30 finalists: Moitshephi Elias, Olorato Kealotswe, Evita Tlhobogang, Nicole Gaelebale, Amanda Ramatsui, Modioki Gaborone, Neelo Nthobatsang, Phio Ntloyakgosi, Kelebogile Bakoko, Keoseme Beile Seabo, Kenaope Phenyo Madisakwane, Onalethata Tlale, Uua Murangi, Katlego Mendry Gaotsenelelwe, Uzapi Hange, Gaone Masilo, Judith One Kgwadi, Judith Wright Tlokweng, Debbie Reepane, Khumo Leburu, Lorato Ikobe, Leungo Moiphemedi, Oratile Buti, Ivy Thomba, Oratile Pearl Baleti, Tsaone Boikhutso, Mpho Moloi, Chookula Kemo Mosweu, Mimi Diana Gopadileng and Matlhogonolo Moses.