03 Jun 2026

When Miss World Botswana 2026, Ruth Thomas, arrived at the Nama community in Lokgwabe on Friday, she was dressed in a crisp white suit that reflected modern elegance and sophistication.

However, the real transformation began moments later, when members of the Nama community welcomed her into their cultural fold as part of activities leading up to the Macheng Bushfire Festival which was held on Saturday.

With warm smiles and a deep sense of pride, Nama women carefully dressed the beauty queen in full traditional attire.

Layers of vibrant, multi-coloured skirts flowed gracefully around her, while a beautifully crafted shawl draped across her shoulders, showcasing patterns and designs that reflected generations of heritage.

Completing the ensemble was the iconic Nama headscarf, known as a kopdoek, while ochre and leather accents added a distinctive touch that embodied the identity and history of the Nama people.

The transformation was remarkable. By the time Thomas stepped out to greet the gathering, many in the crowd paused in admiration.

Clad in traditional Nama attire, she appeared completely at home among the women who had welcomed her. Her grace blended effortlessly with the cultural symbolism of the attire, creating a powerful image of unity and cultural appreciation.

For a brief moment, the distinction between visitor and community member seemed to disappear. Dressed in the colourful regalia and surrounded by Nama women, Thomas embodied the spirit of cultural exchange and mutual respect.

Those unfamiliar with her background could easily have mistaken her for a member of the Nama community.

The audience responded with more than applause. There was a visible sense of pride and admiration as community members witnessed one of Botswana’s leading cultural ambassadors embracing their tradition.

Her beauty did not overshadow the culture being celebrated. Instead, it reflected and amplified it.

As she interacted with residents, learning traditional greetings and engaging in conversations, an atmosphere of warmth and shared appreciation emerged. Laughter and applause filled the air, not only in recognition of her poise but also in appreciation of the respect she showed towards the community’s traditions.

What began as a festival visit evolved into a meaningful cultural encounter that highlighted the importance of preserving and celebrating Botswana’s diverse heritage.

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Charles Cooper of the Nama community explained that traditional Nama attire was characterised by its many colours, which symbolise the community’s history of displacement and resilience.

He said that during periods of migration, their clothing was often torn by trees and bushes as they moved from place to place, adding that community members subsequently stitched together different pieces of fabric, a practice that gradually evolved into the colourful traditional dress worn today.

Kgosi Cooper also expressed appreciation that Thomas had chosen to visit Lokgwabe, noting that the gesture demonstrated recognition and respect for the Nama people and their cultural heritage.

He said her decision to wear traditional Nama attire would further help promote the community’s craftsmanship and cultural identity to wider audiences.

Providing insight into the history of the community, Nama committee member Paul Cooper said the Nama people settled in Lokgwabe around 1995.

He explained that the building where discussions were held now serves as a museum and was originally a Nama school before independence, where community members were taught to read and write in the Nama language.

Paul Cooper said the Nama community is mainly found in Tsabong and Lokgwabe and has made significant efforts to preserve its language through the development of a Nama dictionary, Bible and hymn book.

He added that the Nama Cultural Festival was launched in 2016 to preserve, promote and celebrate the community’s culture and language. However, he noted that the festival, which is usually held during the last week of August, would not take place this year due to insufficient funding.

In her thanksgiving remarks, Thomas expressed gratitude after being presented with a beautifully crafted traditional Nama outfit. 

Thomas further revealed that she intended to incorporate the experience and the traditional attire into her introduction video for the upcoming Miss World competition.

She said doing so would help promote cultural tourism and showcase Botswana’s rich and diverse heritage on the international stage.

She added that the visit had been both educational and inspiring and expressed a desire to return in the future.ENDS