16 Oct 2017

GABORONE - Keitumetse Motlhasedi, 27, has emerged victorious after she snatched the inaugural Mrs Botswana title on Saturday at Boipuso Hall.
Rocking the ramp against 11 other married contestants, Motlhasedi radiated elegance, intelligence and humility.
The young woman who hails from Mochudi captivated the panel of judges with her stage presence and her response to questions on the relevance of marriage to society.
Responding to the judge’s question on what word she would share with married women in families, she said each individual was distinct in their own right and how they weave in with their families and ultimately with society was paramount.
She said women should at all times uphold the principle and add value in their families which would pay off in the way society shapes up.
Furthermore, Motlhasedi said there was need for married women to handle themselves with poise, respect and to take care of themselves.
Dazzling in a white dress decorated with gold, she said family was the key foundation of a nation, and that it takes distinct women of value and principle to stand up for their families and protect their families at all times.
The queen was flanked by Mrs Norma-Jean Osi draped in a glittering red dress as first princess and Mrs Olebile Muzila as the second princess who looked ravishing in a crisp white evening gown.
Dancing and singing on stage to A.T.I’s song during the crowning moment, “Re tsile go betsa go utlwala… re tsile go betsa…,” Motlhasedi excitedly embraced his wife who is the sole breadwinner of the family after he lost his job as a miner when BCL mine in Selebi Phikwe closed.
“I feel very happy, she has been a great support for our family during this difficult time, and to see her achieve what she always wanted is a great honour,” said her husband in an interview.
The pageant, which was fairly attended, was organised by Kgalalelo Lesetedi who said in an interview that she conceived the idea last November.
She noted that the idea came up upon realising that there was a gap that needed to be filled to build sound family lifestyles.
She said she met women and noticed that most of them were in dysfunctional marriages.
She noted that as a result most married women lost hope in the institution of marriage as they encountered abuse in various forms. She took it upon herself to do make a difference.
She said the Mrs Botswana pageant was targeted at “building rock solid families” which could stand the test of time.
Furthermore, Lesetedi said she had been married for the past eight years, and that hers has been a happy journey and she wanted other women to have the same experience in their marriages.
She noted that the Mrs Botswana pageant was the first of its kind, and that she hoped to grow it and make a positive impact in people’s lives.
She said she was passionate about empowering families and that in the past she had organised a series of events targeted at strengthening families.
“I’m so passionate about good families. I have even gone to the extent of selling my car to support this pageant.
I haven’t made much from it but I’m glad we are gradually raising awareness about this pageant. The nation needs it.”
She said she hoped to have the queen compete at other international platforms and raise awareness on family life. BOPA