24 Jul 2023

Sixteen-year-old Onkatlile Koolatotse was on Saturday selected the fairest of them all during the Miss Teen beauty finale at Westwood International School.

Her runners up were Lisa Matsoma from Molepolole, and  Palesa Mokopakgosi from Kanye as first princess and second princess respectively.

In an interview, the elated Onkatlile of Tamasane said the achievement was an opportunity of a lifetime for her.

Onkatlile believed that staying true to herself and embracing her uniqueness played a significant role in her success.

In addition, the teen queen said her humble spirit also helped her to win the crown.

Prior to the Miss Teen Botswana coronation Onkatlile, who is also the founder of Smile the Little Flower Foundation, secured a spot in the Top 16 after scooping the best Community Project winner.

She founded the foundation in 2020, after a trip she had undertaken with her mom to Betesankwe, where she came across a group of children that were in desperate need for basic items such as food and clothing.

The queen took it upon herself to visit Betesankwe again but this time bearing food and clothing gifts  and from that day on she developed a passion for bringing joy to the children.

“This foundation advocates for children who cannot speak up about the issues confronting them, it is the voice to the whispers of those who have been silenced or go unnoticed,” she said.

Elaborating more about the foundation she said it aimed and advancing and realising the youth’s dreams.

“The foundation focuses on three main objectives; inclusion, opportunity, and mental health,” she said.

Onkatlile’s passion for inclusion, she said, stems from her personal experiences.

Coming from a diverse family, with different languages and cultures, she said, she understood the importance of embracing diversity and giving everyone a fair chance.

As for opportunities, Onkatlile believes that every individual, regardless of their background, deserved a chance to fulfill their aspirations and reach their full potential.

Concerning mental health Onkatlile opined that taking care of one’s mental wellbeing was crucial for achieving success in all aspects of life.

By highlighting this issue through her foundation, her hope was to create awareness and provide support to those who may be struggling.

Onkatlile aspires to join the military and serve her country. Her desire is for every girl to pursue their dreams and be whatever they want to be in life.

She said her journey and success served as a testament to the power of following one’s passions and staying true to thyself.

In a world where societal pressures often dictated how one should look or act, she said her win did not only celebrate her individuality but also sent a powerful message of acceptance and self-love.

She said her journey served as a reminder that beauty needed brains, last year she represented Botswana at the Miss Royal International in the United States of America.

The Miss Teen Botswana finale started with a breathtaking talent performance by three contestants serenading the audience with their angelic voices.

The spotlight then shifted to a contestant who captivated the crowd with her graceful dance.

One contestant captivated the audience with her a ballerina twirling and spinning moves, donning a beautiful blue and pink gown.

The 30 contestants showcased their gowns dazzling the audience with their beauty and talent.

From glittery red dresses to cream white dresses the contestants stood out in their own way each with a unique aspiration and dreams. 

There Top 16 was selected and then the scores cut the girls to Top 7 and finally to Top 3 where Onkatlile emerged victorious.

Last year’s Queen, Rosa Osenotse represented Botswana at the Miss Teen International in Cambodia where she scooped Miss Popularity award.

The pageant started in 2019 founded by Former Miss Botswana 2015 Nicole Gaolebale who also founded Diamond Pageantry Academy. Ends