24 Feb 2016

 The beauty pageant showcasing Botswana’s hidden gems in remote areas will be held at Botho University Hall on Saturday.

The 3^rd Miss Remote Area Development Programme (RADP) pageant also promises to be better than previous pageants.

The beauty pageant, which is organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD), was cancelled last year due to the unfortunate accident that happened on 13^th November involving Macha Secondary School students in Kang.

Addressing a press conference, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Botlogile Tshireletso said it was necessary to cancel the event last year out of respect, sympathy and support for all those students involved in the accident.

She noted that the pageant was aimed at talent identification, encouraging positive behaviour among the youth, promoting the inclusiveness of young rural women in mainstream society as well as building their self-esteem through participation in national events.

“The beauty of this competition is that it is a platform for young women from remote area communities to showcase their talent and by so doing gain confidence to participate in other prestigious pageants such as Miss Botswana, Miss World, Miss Universe,” she said.

She said the selection criteria for the pageant has not changed as each of the seven RADP districts selects their queen and her princess to represent their districts, making a total of 14 contestants.

“This year’s contestants come from the settlements of Kaudwane, Mababe, Kgomodiatshaba, Lekopole, Gadukwa, Mokgenene, Inalegolo, Kutuku, Tswaane, D’kar, Ncaang and Mahotswane,” she highlighted.

For her part, Limkokwing University director of corporate and media relations, Mercy Thebe said they were proud to be associated with the Miss RADP pageant. She added that their  association with the pageant was a result of mutual agreement between Limkokwing and MLGRD.

“At Limkokwing we believe that it is our responsibility to ensure that our students are given every opportunity to get the best academic qualifications as well as a variety of activities that will develop their talent through industry related projects such as this one, as well as extra-curricular involvement that builds confidence,” she said. Ends