26 Sep 2022

Neo Monametsi (21) is Miss Independence Kgatleng.

The young beauty won the title at a glitz and glamor ceremony at Rasesa Lodge.

On one hand, Miss Independence Kgatleng male ambassador is 21-year-old Tom Lebaleng.

Monametsi was lost for words following her victory.

She said she was overjoyed and filled with ecstasy as competition was tough.

“This means a lot to me as it gives me the opportunity to grow and become part of something that changes lives of the youth,” she said.

She thanked God for giving her the confidence to walk up the stage and finally get the crown.

The first princess was 17-year-old Geneveive Shawe while the second princess position went to 20-year-old Lefika Tladi.

Both the king and queen will get a scholarship fully sponsored by Insurance Training Institute.

Speaking before commencement of the event, Kgatleng District commissioner, Kolobetso Sejakgomo commended the pageant organisers for being at the forefront of youth empowerment.

She said the pageantry gave the youth an opportunity to be imparted with life skills, confidence and learning their culture.

She said the theme: My Culture, My Identity, helped them to know who they were and to hold on to their values and way of life.

She said her office would always support the Miss Independence Kgatleng initiative as it continued to reach out to many youth across the country and preparing them for leadership roles in society.

She said culture and one’s origin played a pivotal role in cultural preservation so that the coming generations could know where they came from.

The district commissioner said through building relationships and networking opportunities, participants learned how to work with one another and embraced good habits as well as sharpening their presentation skills.

In his welcome remarks,  Kgosi George Thwane of Artesia said he had the opportunity to take participants through the process of culture and learning traditional ways of survival.

He urged the youth to desist from the wrong perception that pageants were only for beautiful women. He said it deterred potential and able young women to come forth and learn.

Kgosi Thwane further urged the youth to discard the low self esteem mindset as it inhibited them from taking full advantage of the initiative.

He also encouraged them to have botho, saying beauty without botho was no beauty at all.

“Practice botho and it will take you far and beyond your imagination,“ said Kgosi Thwane.

Coordinator of Miss Independence Kgatleng, Lebopo Bulayani thanked the sponsors for making it possible for them to have a wonderful event.

She thanked Rasesa Lodge, Supa Feeds, Just Khusy Medicals, Clicks, Nora Cosmetics, Insurance Training Institute, Sheldon cosmetics, Legends and Main Street guest house for supporting them and giving goodies to participants.

She said the value of prizes was P25 300 for each of them. Ends