15 Sep 2019

Olorato Molepo, aged 19, is this year’s Remote Area Development Programme (RADP) queen for the Maun sub-region.

Molepo, who hails from Somelo, clinched the crown at a contest organised by the Maun Administration Authority (MAA) on September 13.

Fiona Kanxi, 21, of Mababe got second position and was crowned first princess while 24-year-old Unity Amos of Khwai village was crowned second princess.

In an interview, Molepo, who was making a debut entry at pageantries, said she was determined to represent the Maun sub-region well and promised to win the coveted title at the national Miss RADP for Maun and the North West region.

Molepo also appealed to young people in rural areas to take advantage of government efforts through affirmative action policy, which aimed to give priority to people in remote areas.

In the male fashion show category, 20-year-old Maya Obiditswe of Mababe was crowned the winner, followed by 22-year-old Daniel Rothano of Mababe as the first prince and Mompoloki Rothano, also from Mababe, as second prince.

Obiditswe said he had been dedicated throughout the pageant stages and was hopeful that he would win at the national competition.

Having participated in previous competitions while he was still a student, Obiditswe said he would focus on youth issues should he win the Mr RADP title at national level.

Guest speaker, Ontitile Zimona said the Miss RADP pageant, which was on its seventh year, aimed to unearth and recognise talent in remote areas.

Zimona said the pageant had grown over the years and had since introduced the male fashion show.

She said the Maun sub-region had groomed about 84 women through RADP since inception and the four projects they had undertaken, which included tuckshops and campsites, were being operated by some of the winners in their respective villages.

Zimona noted that the Maun sub-region had previously managed to produce winners at national level. Meanwhile, this year’s RADP queen and king walked away with P2 000 each, the first princess and king pocketed P1 500 each, while the second princess and prince got P1 000 each while other contestants received P500 as consolation prize.

MAA senior assistant council secretary, Mogomotsi Seemule thanked sponsors for their continued support to the pageantry. ENDS