Stage set for Miss Botswana pageant

MAUREEN ODUBENG
Staff Writer

The next Miss Botswana will be crowned this Saturday, at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) - and the organisers promise that it will be an event to remember with all the glitz and One of the Miss Botswana organisers, Bissau Gaobakwe, said that the countrywide scouting had been quite successful. The nationwide scouting produced 24 beauties, but only 14 finalists will compete for the ultimate Miss Botswana crown on Saturday. The finalists were selected by a public voting system and the fashion show held at Fashion Lounge recently. All in all the organisers seem quite happy with the build- up to the final.

The top 14 are: Portia Kahuma, Sumaiyah Marope, Precious Mangole, Tirelo Ramasedi, Naledi Willers, Emma Wareus, May Metzler, Tsholofelo Seabelo, Eunice Motsumi, Lorato Lenamile, Mpho Serumola, Tsaone Mogapi, Refilwe Gaebolae, and Norah Mphoeng.

Gaobakwe said since taking over Miss Botswana, they promise to turn the pageant professional and earn it the respect and recognition it deserves. He announced that they are succeeding because so far they have been able to sell 150 tickets in South Africa, "which shows that the pageant is attracting international interest". The night will not only be about beauty as there will be other acts, including music performances, and comedy. He revealed, that among those who will be performing on the night, will be South African comedian David Kau, who will also be the master of ceremonies (MC). He said through the event, they also want to celebrate Botswana, and as such they have invited a number of local celebrities, to take part in announcing certain acts, as well as present some of the prizes. The contestants are going to parade in locally designed garments and the designers will be acknowledged. He said they have been able to attract international celebrities among them Russell Simmons, who has agreed to donate prizes for the winners.

On a social responsibility level, Miss Botswana, in conjunction with Odirile "Vee" Sento, donated blankets and food to SOS children after the press conference. The contestants also tagged along, for the little ones to enjoy a personal moment with them prior to the event. He disclosed that the queen will walk away with a black P300, 000 C200 Kompressor Mercedes Benz. The queen will also have sponsorship for petrol from BP during her reign. She will also have allowances for her upkeep and one-year medical aid benefits.

The first princess, and second princesses will walk away with cash prizes. There will be consolation prizes for the others as well. Gaobakwe revealed that they have set aside money for grooming the young woman who will scoop the prize, in preparation for the Miss World pageant. He noted that in the five years that they have been contracted to organise Miss Botswana, it is their intention to bring the crown to Gaborone.

Botswana Council of Women (BCW), the Miss Botswana licence-holders, have contracted Leapfrog and 63 Entertainment. More information about Miss Botswana can be accessed through their website,www.missbotswana.net. The website gives more information on the contestants and the pageant. It also has an interactive link, on which people can comment.

http://www.mmegi.bw/