13 Jun 2024

The Miss Universe Botswana pageant has made a grand comeback this year, with auditions complete and 30 contestants having shown interest in the coveted title. 

In an interview, Safie Sekgwa, the CEO of Miss Universe Botswana, expressed that everything was going according to plan and on June 29th they would cut the selection from top 30 to top 20. 

He said the contestants were actively engaged in pre-pageant activities. 

He said what was significant and exciting was the change for the updated entry requirements. 

“On September 12, 2023, the Miss Universe Organisation announced the removal of age restrictions for contestants over 18,” he said. Previously, he said contestants had to be between 18 and 28-years-old. 

Additionally, he said mothers, married women, and divorced women were not allowed to compete. 

Shedding the light about The Miss Universe Botswana pageantry, he said their aim was to champion a future led by women, those with courage to push boundaries, make groundbreaking discoveries, and achieve consistently. 

The revised entry requirements reflect the pageant’s commitment to inclusivity, emphasising that any confident, intelligent, and ambitious woman, regardless of her civil status, height, body size, or shape, can participate. 

Mothers are now welcome to compete, aligning with the pageant’s belief in the potential of all women. 

Returning to the global stage, the Miss Universe Botswana pageant seeks to find confidently beautiful Batswana women who can represent the nation as its ultimate face and brand ambassador. 

He said the new Miss Universe Botswana would have an opportunity to represent Botswana at the Miss Universe World pageant in Mexico at the end of the year. 

He added that prospective contestants should be aware that the ultimate Miss Universe Botswana titleholder must demonstrate leadership, charisma, intelligence, confidence, eloquence, and ambition. 

“While only one will win the crown, every contestant leaves as a winner, having had the chance to develop personal, professional, and philanthropic goals,” he said. 

He said the pageantry was an inclusive platform that supported women from all social and economic backgrounds, encouraging them not just to talk about change but to enact it. 

About the judges’ evaluation, he said contestants’ judging was based on leadership, charisma, personal style, intelligence and confidence among others. Sekgwa indicated that the profiles of the contestants had already been presented for public appreciation. 

As part of their preparation, the 30 contestants have already attended workshops on mindset change among other prejudging activities to follow. 

The top 30 semi finalists, in alphabetical order, are: - 

Amanda Nkwe (21) 

Bangu Montsho (24)

Changu Ernest (28)

Edith Segokgo (21)

Gorata Montshiwa (29) 

Katlego Modise (22) 

Kedi Molosiwa (28)

Khumo Kailane (27)

Lame Ntelang-Segaise (25)

Leila Anderson (18)

Lisa Lenyora (21

Lorraine Lasaro (22) 

Luthando Ratau (27) 

Messiah Jackson (36) 

Michelle Ramotshwarapula (28) 

Millicent Ramatlhape (24) 

Mosa Gontshwanetse (19) 

Naomi Tsiaka (19) 

 Nomthunzi Isaacs (20) 

Precious Haushiko (21) 

Rachel Ingleton (23) 

Ruth Kgotlaetsile (27) 

Ruth Thomas (23)

Sebaga Manyapetsa (24) 

Setho Monaka (21)

Shaandria Babbage (18) 

Thanolo Keutlwile (28) 

Thuto Leepo (21) 

Tapiwa Ntobedzi (27)

Utlwanang Matibini (28)

The date for the grand finale has not been announced. Ends