17 Oct 2022

Rural Area Development Programme (RADP) presents a platform for beauty contestants to hone their skills for international competitions.

It was against that backdrop that Ghanzi East Sub-district Council held Miss & Mr RADP 2022 Friday, where the contestants were challenged to use the pageant as a stepping stone into modelling and pageantry world.

Sub-council chairperson, Modise Madumane said the industry here was still young and therefore, easy to breakthrough provided one was determined and had the drive to succeed.

RADP pageant resonates with President’s Transformation Agenda and Vision 2036 pillars of Human and Social Development as well as Sustainable Economic Development, said Madumane.

He said the pageant also sought to apply government’s initiatives of Local Economic Development and Affirmative Action to drive youth empowerment.

Madumane said the pageant aimed to enable Rural Area Dwellers to build sustainable livelihood, promote self-reliance and participation in the social economic activities of the country, adding that taking part in the competition encouraged them to participate actively in issues concerning their development.

He was proud that Ghanzi East Sub-district contestants dominated at the national level since inception of the programme.

In 2015 and 2016, Matshidiso Gadifele from D’kar and Neo Barkarth from Qabo were crowed queens at the national competitions respectively.

In 2014 and 2018 Akanyang Kaingotla and Onkopotse Nyatsang, both from New Xade respectively emerged Second runners up, while Oratile Makabiri from Kuke was second princess.

He challenged men to register the first win for the district and expressed gratitude to Letshego Financial Services for sponsoring the event to the tune of P 20 000.

An official from Letshego, Kabelo Sethomo said the pageant facilitated the infusion of people from remote area settlements into main stream society, socially, economically and politically.

He pledged that Letshego would make significant contributions next year.

“I promise you that next year this event will be bigger and better.”

Xhoose Tshabue of West Hanahai emerged the queen and Tshwarelo Ditsheko of Dkar was crowned first princess while Tshepo Gabokgalengwe of New Xade is second princess.

In the male category, Vincent Gobuamang of Qabo emerged the winner and Baeng Raseme of New Xade came second while Thuso Sedumago of Dkar came third.

Top seven from both categories will compete at district level on Saturday. ENDS