Former and first Little Miss Junior Idol World Botswana, Kimberly Matheakgomo has been invited to participate as honorary judge in The 5th Junior Idol World 2026, which will be held from April 29 to May 4 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The 13-year-old has also been selected to receive The International Amazing Kids Award 2026, under the theme, Bringing Fame and Honor to the Country. 

The award recognises Kimberly for her outstanding achievement as the first titleholder of Junior Idol World and as an inspiring role model to young participants worldwide.

Kimberly will join other special guests from Thailand and Indonesia including Thailand’s Miss Preteen Junior Idol World 2024 1st Runner up, Sirachayaphorn Pholchai and Indonesia’s Putri Humaira Paysa who was crowned Little Miss Junior idol World 2025, among other special guests.

Kimberly told BOPA that she was grateful to be recognised in an international platform and for their vote of confidence in her ability to provide valuable contribution to the programme.

“I mean they chose me. I feel incredibly honoured,” said Kimberly.

For the Molapowabojang budding talent, this recognition comes as no surprise.

 Her pageantry journey began at the tender age of five when she was crowned Little Miss All Preschools Botswana in 2018. Since then, she has remained committed to giving back to her community.

Her ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ initiatives have included donating printers to pre-schools and primary schools around Gaborone, as well as providing building materials such as cement to support churches in establishing themselves.

“I’m always striving to build a strong relationship with God and I believe He should be at the centre of everything we do; hence my donations to churches,” she said.

The elderly have also remained a priority in Kimberly’s outreach efforts. 

As part of her previous monthly initiatives, she dedicated herself to providing breakfast to pensioners while they queued to receive their stipends.

Such noble acts have earned her several accolades, including the Miss Royal 2022 Role Model Award and the Women Awards’ Young Woman of the Year title in 2023. 

Kimberly revealed that she aspired to build her own modelling school and become a professional modelling coach in the near future. 

However, she shared that from time to time, she reminds herself that it’s not always about winning, but about having fun too and learning to leave all things to God.

She said that she was ready to represent Botswana at Thailand and is excited to contribute meaningfully as a judge.

Wendy Setswammung, aged 16, will represent Botswana as a contestant under the Miss Teen Junior Idol World category, as well as nine year-old, Isago Ralethaka, who will compete in the Mini Miss Junior Idol Botswana category, while 10 year-old Tatiana Reetsang eyes the Little Junior Idol crown and Anele Ramaja the Preteen Junior Idol crown. ENDS