23 Sep 2019

Confidence and aptitude earned Oweditse Phirinyane the 53rd Miss Botswana crown during the glamorous event held at The Factory in Selebi Phikwe on September 21.

The 23-year-old Phirinyane snatched the highly sought for crown ahead of Uua Murangi and Winfred Motcher who got the first and second princess sashes respectively.

The queen was distinguishable from onset booking her place among top five beauties alongside Oratile Baleti, Motcher, Maatla Diphuthi and Wendy Maduma.

Murangi made it to the next level by virtue of being voted the People’s Best Contestant, increasing the numbers to six instead of the usual Top five.

Murangi also scooped the Best Smile Award sponsored by Cresta Hotels.

Both Phirinyane and Murangi answered the questions to the judges satisfaction during this difficult stage which emphasizes on the intelligence attribute of the contestant hence the saying ‘Beauty with brains.’

Despite stage fright Phirinyane proved to deserve the dazzling crown after applying her mind on the questions posed to her, selling the SPEDU region better than the first  and second princesses.

Phirinyane said winning Miss Botswana Pageant was a dream come true even though it had not sunken yet.

“I am surprised too,” she said.

The pageant which was held in partnership with SPEDU will be held in Selebi Phikwe for the next five years with an aim to help market the SPEDU region which became economically challenged following the closure of the BCL Mine which was the economical backbone of the region.

Prior to the grand finale the contestants were taken on a tour to appreciate the beauty and the various economic projects within the SPEDU region namely Kwenantle farms, Basket Weaving at Mathathane, Platjan Bridge and the Nickel Park.

The organizer of the Miss Botswana Pageant Ben Raletsatsi was excited about hosting the pageant in Selebi Phikwe for the first time.

He said the warehouse turned out to be the best venue with its vast space which accommodated multitudes of people who thronged the copper mining town to attend the pageant.

“This pageant was a success and we are looking forward to holding the pageant in Selebi Phikwe again next year.”

The Chief Education for SPEDU Dr Mokubung Mokubung thanked the Miss Botswana organisers for partnering with SPEDU to showcase the beauty and investment opportunities presented by the region.

He said the region had a lot to offer, urging investors both local and foreign to invest in the region.

Assistant Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dikgang Makgalemele commended the organisers for promoting local talent by playing local music and engaging local artists to entertain the crowd. The organisers did not disclose the prizes. Ends