14 Jul 2025

Miss Universe Botswana finalists returned to Gaborone on Thursday, following an intensive boot camp in South Africa, where they spent the past few weeks undergoing rigorous training to prepare for the international stage.

In an interview Miss Universe Botswana director, Safie Sekgwa, said the trip was packed with purposeful activities.

The finalists took part in question and answer assessments, public speaking drills and confidence-building challenges such as Stars of the Universe, which pushed them beyond their comfort zones and into roles of influence.

During their stay in South Africa, they spent time at Sun City, where they engaged in a 5km sunrise jog around the golf course, Mankwe game drive, and a full tour of the resort’s facilities.

Sekgwa described the Sun City experience as transformative, adding that it allowed the contestants to gain deeper knowledge of environmental ecosystems, reflect on personal journeys and build strong team bond. 

The contenstants also visited Pretoria, where they met Botswana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Dr Sanji Monageng, who addressed them on diplomatic protocol and the importance of notifying embassies when traveling abroad.

The team also received professional makeup training with MAC Cosmetics before relocating to Johannesburg, where they were based at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton.

While in Johannesburg, they met Botswana’s consul general, Yandani Boko, and had a virtual session with the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ignatius Moswaane, to discuss their future beyond the pageant and their preparation for the grand finale.

Sekgwa said the boot camp followed a holistic curriculum that focused on catwalk training, personal development, emotional intelligence and advanced public speaking.

Special emphasis was placed on interview training, with simulated press interviews and rapid-fire Q&A rounds, helping finalists to improve their poise, clarity, and depth under pressure.

He said the growth had been significant, with once-reserved finalists gaining confidence and those already outspoken learning to refine their communication.

They also engaged with a number of professionals and diplomats who tipped them on self-belief, purpose, and professionalism.

The entire experience was designed to prepare the finalists to be cultural and intellectual ambassadors for Botswana, Sekgwa said and further stated that the journey was documented for an upcoming reality show and national archive, with the finalists also producing digital content across various platforms.

Even those less comfortable with technology have grown in confidence, thanks to a strong sense of sisterhood and teamwork, Sekgwa said. ENDS