28 Sep 2015

Ten years older than Botswana, Sheilla Tamokate, 59, is the winner of the first ever Miss Independence Old Naledi Oldies beauty pageant. Her first princess is Margaret Ramore aged, 56, while the second princess is Maungo Kgano, 49.

The Old Naledi Central Ward development committee organised the pageant on Saturday (September 26) as part of the country’s independence celebrations which are also a build-up to the 50^th anniversary next year.

Comprising 10 contestants, the pageant provided a rare spectacle as women mostly above the age of 60 took to the ramp with a catwalk that hacked back to their youthful days.

Gaborone City Council community development officer, based at Old Naledi Central, Cecilia Mothibi, said they spent sleepless nights organising the pageant whose aim was to raise funds to celebrate Botswana’s 49^th independence anniversary on September 30.

“It also gives us an opportunity to get different messages across such as those on gender issues besides campaigning for the many charities and causes we support,” she said.

Contestants were judged on mental attributes, personality and intelligence hence the theme “Beauty with Brains.”

Meanwhile, the queen,Tamokate, said contesting at her age was nothing wrong since she felt young at heart.

“I believe it is important for a woman to look her best no matter her age. It also simply improves her self-esteem,” she said.

She said her wish was to live longer to make a difference in her ward, especially advising the youth on issues of gender and culture. “How I wish I could just magically change everything. If I could, I certainly would,” she said.

Winners won, among others, a night for two at Grand Palm Hotel, hampers from Contemporary Linens, and massages from Bonitas Aqua. Consolation prizes were accommodation for two at President Hotel and Avani Hotel as well as some hampers. Ends