14 Aug 2013

Miss Universe Botswana national director, Safie Sekgwa has commended Botash and Tati River Lodge (TRL) for supporting the pageant.

Briefing the media at Tati River Lodge on August 9, Sekgwa said the pageant was faced with lack of support by the local entrepreneurs. 

Sekgwa, who was accompanying the beauty queens on a five-day boot camp at the Makgadikgadi Pans courtesy of Botash, thanked TRL for accommodating the pageant crew noting that in the southern part of the country, it has not been easy to secure sponsors.

He lamented that previously, some companies made pledges which they never honoured. He noted that this attitude demoralised the contestants.

Sekgwa however noted that the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture contributed in the form of transport and has also promised to sponsor the finalists for the Miss Universe beauty pageant slated for Moscow, Russia on November 9.

He also noted due to lack of sponsors, last year’s finalist nearly missed the pageant but fortunately the Vice President came to the rescue.

Sekgwa said the grand finale is scheduled for September 7 at the Gaborone International Convention Centre and that tickets are available at all Option stores countrywide. He said the queen will leave for Moscow on October 20.

For his part, TRL sales and marketing manager, Andy Boatile said as a member of Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) and HATAB, accommodating the pageant crew marked the beginning of their relationship with Miss Universe Botswana. He said TRL aims at putting Botswana on the map, a goal which is similar to that of Miss Universe Botswana. 

“At TRL we pledge our support and we will walk the walk with Miss Universe Botswana and I urge other stakeholders to come on board,” said Boatile.

TRL general manager, Margaret Tlhalerwa thanked Miss Universe Botswana organisers for choosing TRL out of all the hotels and lodges in Francistown. She also assured Miss Universe Botswana of TRL’s support. 

The reigning Miss Universe Botswana, Sheilla Molelekwa appealed to the media and all stakeholders to support the Miss Botswana initiative as it creates a platform for beauty queens to contribute to the development of the country. She said during the pageant, the queens get an opportunity to speak positively and market their countries to a huge world audience. ENDS