09 Nov 2022

Initiatives such as Miss Remote Area Development Programme (RADP) pageant should be supported as they unearth Botswana’s hidden gems.  

Kgatleng District Deputy Council Chairperson, Modise Ncube said this at the Ms Kgatleng RADP pageant in Artesia over the weekend. 

The event was aimed at selecting finalists who will compete at the national Miss RADP pageant.

Ncube said Batswana, especially rural communities, should embrace such pageants as they empowered young people to showcase their talents, adding that the pageant was not only about beauty, but boosted other sectors of the economy such as fashion design, the entertainment industry and events management among others.

Meanwhile, Kgosi George Thwane of Artesia said the pageant had been growing  every season, inspiring contestants to perform on bigger stages.

He said the pageant was also a platform for talent identification and encouraged behavioural change amongst youth. 

“I do believe some day we shall have Mr/Miss Botswana who are beneficiaries of this initiative,” he said. The pageant, which was held under the theme: Unearthing Natural Beauty and Talent, saw a total of five female and five male contestants from Artesia, Kgomodiatshaba, Dikgonnye and Khurutshe vying for the crown.

The event also included the Mr RADP fashion show, which gave male youths from the areas a chance to showcase their talents.

Ontlametse Kereang emerged the queen, with Keneilwe Bantsi as the first princess and Obakeng Gasebonwe the second princess. 

On the male side, Alfred Khana won the Mr RADP title, followed by Kabelo Raditshepe and Otsile Molapisi. The queen and the king walked away with P2000, while first princess and the prince got P1500 each.

Second prince and princess, received P1000 each and consolidation prize was P500.

Access Bank Client Services Manager, Mr Mojaboswa Bareki encouraged the winners to work hard and raise the district’s flag high at the next lap of the competition.

He said it would be pleasing to see those from the remote area community taking part in prestigious pageants like Miss World or even Miss Universe.

“I would also be glad to see you gentlemen in some of the modelling agencies or even owning one in future,” he said.  Ends