Experienced contestants for Miss Botswana
Dumisani Ncube | Wednesday September 13, 2017 15:44
The top 12 models were selected this past weekend during a boot camp, which saw 18 leaving the camp. All the remaining12 are experienced individuals and former queens who have previously contested in top-flight pageants including Miss Botswana.
It will be a game of experience in this year’s grand finale scheduled for September 28 at the Boipiuso Hall. “It has been a tight race so far and this past weekend was the second boot camp, the girls were involved in a number of activities such as public speaking, talent execution and project presentation. They were judged and selected according to those aspects,” said Miss Botswana coordinator Dorcas Thobega.
Despite the tight competition in this year’s pageant, Thobega expressed disappointment on the standards of talent because the models are not solid enough to compete on an international stage. She urged models to hone their respective talents. “We have encouraged the girls to put focus on local traditional dance so that they can be unique at Miss World instead of other talent aspects such as singing whereby international models are even professional singers.”
The top 12 finalists will be meeting again this weekend for a third boot camp where experts will drill them on various facets such as talents and public speaking.
During the recent boot camp the models had an opportunity of dining with the reigning Miss Botswana, Thata Kenosi and former Miss Botswana Emma Wareus who interacted with the finalists. “Yes I did get the chance to interact with a number of the Miss Botswana Top 30 ladies. I met a lot of compassionate intelligent, outspoken and goal oriented young ladies on Friday who know what they are here for. My key take away was that they have all built a strong bond with each other,” said Kenosi.
The 12 finalists are:
Kenaope Madisakwane
Uua Murangi
Olorato Kealotswe
Moitshepi Elias
Judith Kgwadi
Katlego Gaotsenelelwe
Modioki Gaborone
Khumo Leburu
Neelo Nthobatsang
Nicole Gaelebale
Tsaone Boikhutso
Oratile Baleti