02 Apr 2014

St Louis Export recently held a glittering ceremony to honour the 2013 Top 40 Under 40 young Batswana achievers who have worked hard to change the lives of many people across various sectors.

There were three finalists who received the judge’s award, which is an honour bestowed upon them for having made the most outstanding contribution in their respective fields. The trio: Game ‘Zeus’ Bantsi, Shanti Lo and Monametsi Kalayamotho received the prestigious award.

The ceremony featured a panel of some of Botswana’s most renowned personalities in the likes of Shanti Lo, Abednico Matobo, Amanda Chembezi, Uyapo Ndadi and Donald Molosi, amongst others.

Born Tumediso Loeto, Shanti Lo is a jazz maestro and also a judge in the My Star television talent search show. “It sounds good. It’s a great honour when you look at the calibre of people who were short listed for the award”, he added.

Game Bantsi, but better known by his stage name Zeus, is a hip-hop artist, master of ceremonies (MC) and businessman.

Monametsi Kalayamotho is the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Moro Group, a diversified group with interests in information technology, telecommunications, manufacturing, health care, boutiques, property development, hospitality, retail leisure and mining.

Another nominee was Abednico Matobo (now deceased), who was an IT engineer. The late Matobo left a formidable legacy for Batswana youth. He gave hope to most, who were increasingly roaming the streets jobless. Another familiar face was that of Alesta Walker (professional squash player), Amanda Chembezi, project manager and human rights advocate.

Amanda originates from Botswana, but was born in Russia and raised in Lesotho and South Africa. She is a young feminist with a vision to promote economic empowerment and stability in particular for women and girl in Africa.

Former Miss Botswana Emma Wareus who also took the second place spot at the Miss World 2010 finale was also recognised. She is now a motivational speaker, model and most renowned Botswana queen.

Dirang Moloi was also on the list. He is a success Botswana international footballer who is piling his trade at the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Donald Molosi also featured in the lists. He is one of the most prominent African actors of his generation and he is an official Ambassador for Brand Botswana as well as being the youngest-ever recipient of the Khama Brilliant Spirit Award (2003), which is a prestigious Presidential award, for his contribution to the arts in Botswana.

Renowned human rights activist and lawyer Uyapo Ndadi also made it to the top 40. The former director of BONELA is the recipient of the Top 10 outstanding young persons of the world and had fought many cases of discrimination against people who are living with the AIDS virus.

Speaking at the ceremony, KBL marketing director Sesupo Wagamang said Top 40 Under 40 is a platform that assists and encourages young Batswana with fledging businesses to inspire them to strive for more.

“The Top 40 Under 40 gave us the platform to narrate a story that integrated our brand into the customer’s world across all touch points, resulting in Export taking significant share from its competitors”, he added.

Beginning with a list of 80 candidates, the judging panel refined the list to 40.

The Final 40, whittled down from up to 120 nominees received their official pins and certificates as a testament to their contribution as catalysts of change within their industries and their communities.

St Louis Export Top 40 Under 40 is an initiative by Kgalagadi Breweries Limited (KBL) that profiles those who are industry leaders.

The selected catalysts included fashion designers, investment analysts, musicians, athletes and business owners amongst others. The ceremony, which was nearly disrupted by heavy rains, was characterised by music from catalysts Zeus, Samantha Mogwe, and TJ Dema.  ENDS