04 Oct 2023

About 27 ladies and nine men battled it out in Tsabong on Monday to book themselves space in the Mr and Miss Bakgalagari finals.

With dazzling smiles and elegant strides, the contestants strutted their stuff before a packed lively audience to advance their chances to clinch the coveted crown at the finals slated for December 2 at Metsimotlhabe.

“The pageant was started to give many young Bakgalagari an opportunity to celebrate their cultural heritage, languages, use arts and culture to bring them together from different parts to unite and ensure inclusiveness,” said Mr and Miss Bakgalagari director, Segolame Kudumedi-Phori in an interview.

She said it was the first time to hold the event  in Tsabong since the pageant started in 2015, adding that they were impressed by the good turn up, of a self-contained fun loving crowd with no reported incidents of harassment or theft.

“All in all we did well!” she said.

Kudumedi-Phori said the event served as an entertainment during Botswana’s 57^th Independence celebrations, which brought Bakgalagadi together to celebrate  their culture, unite and bring equality amongst them.

She said they had observed that some tribes within the western block claimed superiority over others hence the need to bring them together to remind them that they are ‘one’ people originating from the Kalahari Desert.

The 36 contestants competing in the semi-finals came from different districts spread along the Kalahari Desert such as Hukuntsi, Tsabong, Ghanzi, Charleshill, Motokwe, Dutlwe, Maboane, Takatokwane, Malwelwe and others.

“Our judges have selected 14 finalists’ ladies and all nine men will sail through to the finals to compete for the much coveted title at Metsimotlhabe Farm,” she said.

Kudumedi-Phori said Mr and Miss Bakgalagari pageant boosted small, medium and micro enterprises, security, as well as the hospitality sectors.

She highlighted that the pageant gave Bakgalagari youth in the western block an opportunity  show their talent, hone their skills to be able to take on national and international stages with confidence.

According to her, the event continues to grow in leaps and bounds every year as they have registered  tremendous progress.

The entertainment line-up included  artists from the western block such as Botizo, MyraBW, DJ Kenny, DJ Skizoh, MC Mabarebare, Vastokitoko, Chukuma, Double Up, MC ShatiBae, and Mc Lefhoko. ENDS