24 Aug 2016

Reigning Miss Botswana, Thata Kenosi on August 23, paid a courtesy call on President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama.

The queen said it was exciting and “a dream come true to meet with the country’s first citizen.”

Speaking in an interview shortly after that, Kenosi said her visit to the Office of the President “is an inspiration to me and a morale boost which will stimulate me on my national assignment.”

She is currently a second year student studying political science and public administration at the University of Botswana.

Regarding recent reports about her having body marks contrary to the rules of the pageant, Kenosi said she was coping well and drew her strengthen, support and motivation from her family, “who believe that in God there is always a solution.”

Kenosi, who was crowned the 50^th Miss Botswana queen, is posed to represent the country at the next Miss World billed for Washington DC, USA on December 20.

She said the resultant furore over her crowning had never clouded her vision as she was busy preparing herself and doing her Beauty With a Purpose project.  

Recently, organisers and sponsors of Miss Botswana 2016 issued a press release nullifying rumours and accusations surrounding Miss Botswana 2016. The release assured the nation that all the rules of the pageant were followed in crowning the queen

It stated that the judging criteria followed Miss World standards where contestants were judged over various activities and the marks accumulated over that period were carried over to the finale. The entire judging process was overseen by independent auditors who confirmed and verified the final results on the day of the grand finale.

Further, the release dismissed media reports suggesting that one of the contestants had body marks. Again, the statement rubbisshed reports suggesting that one of the contestants had parents working for the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture.

In addition, it stated that Miss Botswana 2016 judges were selected purely on the basis of industry experience and knowledge, consistent with international best practices. 

Furthermore, it stated that during the boot camp, access to all contestants was limited but not completely barred. It urged the corporate world and members of the public to rally behind the queen and help her prepare for Miss World International pageant. Ends