This pageant, more than a beauty contest, aims to nurture self-confidence, life skills, and a sense of community in its participants. The event was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and leadership, awarding young women for their unique talents and contributions, and highlighting the values that make the Hope Pageant stand out in Botswana’s pageantry landscape. With categories catering for different age groups, the Hope Pageant recognises talent across a broad spectrum. Titles awarded this year include Miss Tot Hope Botswana for girls under five, which went to the three-year-old Bosa Itumeleng, Little Miss Hope Botswana for ages five to nine, won by Grace Molebatsi, Preteen Hope Botswana for ages 10 to 13, awarded to Vivian Wangu Keatlholetswe, Teen Hope Botswana for ages 14 to 18, claimed by Lethabile Basimane, and Miss Hope Botswana for young women aged 19 to 27, awarded to Amantle Rakgane. The unique Miss Golden Heart title, judged across all age categories, went to Sethunya Itumeleng, recognising her kindness, empathy, and commitment. Director Sera Madiba, inspired by the need to empower young Batswana with vital life skills, founded Hope Pageant Botswana to go beyond the traditional bounds of pageantry. “I was inspired to host this pageant by the drive to equip young Batswana with life skills and exposure to international platforms. Hope Pageants is a place where young women learn to broaden their mindsets, embrace modern life skills, and become role models,” Madiba explained.
Now in its eighth year, the pageant has become a platform that prioritises personal growth, community impact, and future opportunities. The pageant’s categories this year awarded a variety of skills and achievements beyond traditional beauty standards.
The Community Service Award went to Sethunya for her dedication to giving back to her community, while the Creativity Award winner Nakisane Itumeng was recognised for her originality. The Top Model Award went to Vivian Wangu Keatlholetswe, and the Best Talent Award was awarded to Amantle Rakgane for showcasing exceptional skill and passion. Other awards celebrated the resilience and involvement of the contestants. Public Speaking Award and Best Interview Award went to Vivian, who also received the Best Overall Project Award for her outstanding initiative and community contributions. Grace Molebatsi received the Seraf Award, presented by Madiba herself, to honour her exceptional personality. Additionally, Best Styled Guest went to Helena adding a touch of glamour to the evening. The event also acknowledged the support that makes the contestants’ journeys possible. The Most Supportive Personnel was awarded to Phatsimo Kgetse from HR Lounge and Tumelo, while the Most Supportive Queen went to Tshiamo Gontse, and the Most Supportive Parent was awarded to Ms Segaetsho. This focus on community underscores Hope Pageant’s commitment to building a network of support around its participants.
The Hope Pageant Botswana continues to grow, attracting sponsorships from respected local organisations such as Gaborone Institute of Professional Studies (GIPS), Adansonia Hotel, Phatsima Tuitions, and Artron Enterprises. These partnerships ensure that participants receive scholarships, educational tuitions, gifts, trophies, and certificates, with some queens winning trips, beauty spa treatments, and coverage for international competitions. As the Hope Pageant Botswana celebrates another successful year, it stands out for its commitment to empowering young women, building self-confidence, and fostering a sense of purpose. For the queens crowned this year, the journey has only just begun, as they step forward not only as winners but as emerging leaders and role models for future generations in Botswana.
