22 Aug 2016

Leano Gabonamong of Mokgenene is Miss RADP 2016 Mahalapye Sub District.

Twelve girls from the sub-district tried their luck in this year’s Miss RADP and the participating villages included Mokgenene, Otse and Moralane all from Shoshong constituency.

Participants first paraded the stage putting on jeans and white tops, then traditional attires and evening dresses and it was 19-year-old Gabonamong who went away with the crown.

Gabonamong, who proved to be the judges and people's favorite was followed by 24 year old Keatlholetswe Motlhabankwe from Moralane and Irene Gabobake (19) of Otse who were crowned first and second princesses respectively.

Officially opening the pageant, businessman and former Debswana managing director Blackie Marole said the pageant demonstrated the country's effort to uplift the standard of living of its people leaving no part of the population behind.

Marole said it was also a source of pride as the country celebrates 50 years of independence and progress, which is being enjoyed by all.

He said in the 50 years, the people in remote areas have seen their lives transform from a nomadic one into viable settlements with water facilities, schools, clinics and electricity in some villages.

He noted that come September 2016, people with rightfully celebrate the paradigm shift in their way of living, from hunting and gathering to arable and livestock farming, both of which give them economic independence.

He said they have integrated into the rest of Botswana society and now enjoy the fruits of national independence with dignity.

However, Marole said the literacy rate continues to lag behind the rest of the country and poverty in these communities was more pronounced than in other communities.

Marole said this calls for the continuation of programmes and initiatives tailored to address the special needs for the RADS.

Further, about the pageant Marole said the contest was about those already judged most beautiful, adding that they were all beautiful and would all be winners.

He said the contests deserved winning and their success would earn them confidence, self-esteem recognition and respect in their communities.

He said beauty was associated with a number of things including cleaness and hygiene in general, they would be icons of good health in their communities.

Therefore, Marole said they were expected to become leaders in good behavior and presentation, adding that the contest also help in identifying leaders of tomorrow.

However, he said they could be vulnerable to other negatives and become prey to predators because that very recognition and respect makes them attract more men than they need. Ends