02 Dec 2019

Oreage Laolang and  Otshepo Nthonyane both from Central District were crowned Mr and  Miss RADP 2019 respectively in Gaborone over the weekend.

The pageant opened with a fashion show by 28 contestants, 14 ladies and 14 men with a different approach from the usual participants’ dance routine. 

The contestants displayed placards with messages of challenges in the remote areas and aspirations and dreams messages of every remote dweller in the country. 

The pageant’s choreographer and mentor Emmanuel Kayenda, who is a renowned model, noted that he wanted to give the audience something different from the usual. 

Kayenda said the idea behind displaying messages was such that stakeholders attending the pageant could appreciate challenges faced by rural area  populace and try and assist government where they can. 

The evening wear was also a marvel to watch, with the ladies wearing elegant, dresses worthy of a pageant. 

The dresses featured ample silhouettes, textures, shades of colour and floral print designs.  

The gowns were not only stunning, but they enhanced the beauty and confidence in the ladies, as well as enabling them to express themselves freely while strutting their staff in front of the judges and the entire audience. 

In a nutshell, they portrayed the ladies’ unique indigenous character and personality to the judges.

On the other hand, the men  did not disappoint with their unique custom-made pieces. 

They displayed various shades and designs from double breasted to two buttoned jackets, conservative to bright colours with various details. 

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Setlhabelo Modukanele said the pageant sought to address the existing imbalances that have been created by geographic conditions and other factors. 

He said the pageant also empowered young men and women from remote area communities to showcase their talents and natural beauty. 

The seventh  Miss RADP pageant and second Mr RADP fashion show were themed; Unearthing Natural Beauty and Talent.

Nthonyane walked away with P50 000 towards her preferred project and P10 000 cash  while Laolang won himself a P25 000 project of his choice and P10 000 cash. 

First princess Onalenna Chabangwa won P30 000 towards a project and P7 000 cash prize while second princess Oratile Mokabari walked with  P20 000 for a project and P5 000 cash prize. 

Mr RADP first prince Maya Obiditswe walked away with P15 000 for a project and P7 000 cash while second prince David Sesike won P10 000 for a project and P5 000 cash. 

The rest of the participants got a consolation prize of P2 000 each. Ends