09 Sep 2018

Bosele Thamae from Gojwane settlement in the Tonota Sub-district has promised her supporters and Tonota constituents that she will make them proud by taking the crown home.

This was after she was crowned Miss Remote Area Development Programme (RADP) queen for the Sub-district in a glittering pageant held at Tonota College of Education (TCE) on Friday.

She oozed confidence and her smile complemented her impressive composure as she responded to question about the difference she will make to improve the lives of the youth residing in remote rural areas.

Bosele, who could not hide her excitement, said she saw it coming when she managed to make it to the top five and top three from 13 beauty contestants from Gojwane and Mabesekwa settlements.

She beat two other contestants from her settlement in the top three being Bathopi Kula who was crowned first princess and Nametso Ntshegang who was the third princess.

Bosele won P4 000 and a one night accommodation at Cresta Marang Gardens while the second and third princes went home P3 000 and P2 000 richer, courtesy of Tonota Sub-district Council.

The queen, first and second princesses will represent Tonota at the district RADP pageant scheduled for October 29 in Letlhakane.

Organisers of Miss RADP Tonota Sub-district also spiced the pageant by introducing Mr RADP which was won by Kemmapatse Ontlametse also from Gojwane who went home with P1 500 whilst others got consolation prizes of P850.

Speaking at the pageant, councillor Christopher Machokoto, who is also chairperson of Tonota Sub-district Council Committee of Community Development and Social Services said the pageant was a government initiative intended to unearth natural beauty.

“The significance of the beauty pageant is a clear indication that our government is committed to improving remote area communities and social inclusion,” he said.

He said the pageant was also consistent with government’s efforts to develop and promote sustainable livelihoods for communities and individuals residing in remote areas, to reduce dependence on government and promote self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods and to achieve full integration and make them compete reasonably with their counterparts in the rest of the country.

He called on all contestants to meet government’s efforts halfway in an endeavour to afford and commit to the concept and practice of equal opportunities for the citizenry.

Councillor Machokoto said the principles provided a foundation for affirmative action in all aspects of social and economic lives.

“This will promote their sustainability and eventually improve their economic status in an endeavour to eradicate poverty,” he said.

The beauty pageant was held under the theme: Young and vibrant, unearthing natural beauty and talent.

Miss RADP is the brainchild of Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development to face the challenge of non-participation of remote area dwellers in national development events due to their remoteness. Ends