18 Sep 2024

Eighteen Miss Universe Botswana hopefuls will this Saturday battle it out for the coveted crown  at the Gaborone International Convention Centre . 

The winner will represent Botswana at the international pageant scheduled for November 16 in Mexico. 

“Our contestants know that they will be assessed by the judges on the following qualities; sense of leadership, charisma, eloquence, confidence, intelligence, ambition and aura,” Chief of Staff at Miss Universe Botswana, Lesego Dibeela said in an interview.

To Dibeela, Miss Universe is a platform of equal opportunities. She expressed that the event was inclusive and strived to uplift every woman. 

She added that Miss Universe Botswana was a platform to drive change. 

As Miss Universe Botswana’s goal is to play a role in marketing and promoting Botswana on the global stage as a top tourist and investment destination of choice regionally and even globally, the contestants were tasked with representing a district other than their home district. 

Dibeela said this would allow the contestants to expand their country’s brand. 

Regional Director-Academic Management at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Onalenna Phambuka, said the pageant aimed to harness talent by creating a safe space for women to explore and realise their dreams. 

“Miss Universe exists to advocate for a future forged by women with different cultures, backgrounds and religions. 

The pageantry aims to create and provide a safe space for women to share their stories, and drive impact professionally,” she said. 

It advocates for the inspirational leaders to become role models and contribute to the community and goals of Botswana and ultimately the world, Ms Phambuka noted. 

She further explained that the pageant would also serve as a platform to let the world know about how Botswana continued to work on improving the lives of its citizens. 

The Grand Palm Hotel’s Marketing Manager, Malebogo Bahakgametse, said the pageant served as a platform for young women to build personal and professional skills, contributing to sustainable economic development. 

Bahakgametse observed by offering exposure to local and international opportunities, the show empowered contestants to become role models and leaders. 

Many participants, she noted, used the platform to advocate for social causes and create businesses that stimulate local entrepreneurship, thus creating a ripple effect in different industries. 

“Our partnership started back on 2022, when the organising committee contacted us to aid in organising the show. We are thrilled that we can play a part in ensuring their success. 

We have remained a committed sponsor, providing not just the venue but also technical and logistical support to ensure the success of the pageant,” she said. Ends