Baratang, who just returned to the country a few days ago, said she was prepared for the international pageant. She explained that before flying to Florida, she had been going for modelling and public speaking classes with her mentor, One Mariri of Beauty Hub Academy.
She added that she went to Florida with her mother and the journey there was extremely long and tiring because it was her first ever time taking that long trip. "We arrived in Florida late at night and we received a warm welcome by the Director of the Miss Pure International Pageant. The incredible girl that I went to represent Botswana with who was in the teen category Lindelwa Ndlovu and I were the only two Africans in the entire pageant. We were the first two representatives to represent not just Botswana but Africa," she said.
She further explained that she came out with the position of second runner-up during the finale. She said she felt super excited, grateful, thankful and blessed that she came with the position of Pure International Miss Jr Teen second runner-up 2023. She said she was happy to have also made new friends. "It was so great having to meet a bunch of Queens with different personalities from all around the world.
The competitions went well and some of the awards I won included the Best Top Model and another special award of Pure International New York Fashion Week, where basically I get to go to New York and walk the runway with the top models this coming September at the New York Fashion Week .I felt absolutely grateful that they recognised my modelling skills and I am so excited," she proudly said.
Baratang also said she visited places she never thought of going to even in her wildest dreams such Disney World. She explained that the thought that she went to Disney World, the place that she always wanted to visit as a child was fantastic. She added that she was overfilled with joy and had the most amazing time there because she also met good people.
She said the child in her was screaming. She also went to a lot of other great places like Universal Studios. Moreover, Baratang explained that the Pure International pageantry has been a blessing to her. She said she won the title of Miss Pure International Junior Teen Botswana in January 2023 and was so happy that she won the Best Talent and Best Model, Best Interview and most importantly an opportunity to represent her country Botswana at the International stage in USA Florida.
"For my 'Be The Impact Project', I empowered and donated toiletry and blankets to the young boys in a school called Ikago Rehabilitation centre in Molepolole,'" she pointed out. She thanked Gaborone University College of Law & Professional Studies CEO, Dr Anthony for making it possible for her to reach the destination when she needed it the most. She also thanked Nashua for extending a helping hand. She also thanked the Beauty Hub Academy for moulding her into the young model that she is today and for the modelling and public speaking lessons. "Thank you to BOI'S Eleganza Designs, my designer, for making sure I always look the part every time I go on stage. Thank you so much to my friends and family for the donations towards my #betheimpact project. I really do appreciate it and for following me and my journey on social media.
Thank you to my parents Mr and Mrs Baratang for always being there for me and reassuring me and always supporting me. I thank you two for the sacrifices you make for me and I am extremely grateful. Thank you to my ‘manager’ also known as my elder sister Mighty Phillip for literally making sure that everything is in place and just for being there and taking time from your day for me," she said. She also thanked people that supported her throughout her journey. She explained that her journey at the international pageantry has been absolutely magnificent. She expressed hope that she represented Botswana well and made the people proud. For her part, Miss Purity International Botswana director Sebobjwe said, the queens were very much prepared to represent Botswana in Florida as they regularly go for modelling rehearsals with their supportive mentors. She added that she created a Facebook page, which was booming, adding that through Baratang's platform she was blessed to meet the first lady of Botswana, councillors and other influential people like dikgosi.
She added that Baratang was also interviewed in the popular radio programme, Masaasele. "Their wardrobe was also very ready and Bratang's designs were made by the designer Boikobo. The challenges we faced were mostly trying to get sponsors. We need Batswana to start recognising pageantry as a true talent. We need the public to support her through her social media at Neelo Baratang and if possible help financially but most importantly to stay tuned in her journey," she said.
