04 Feb 2024

The Mr Botswana initiative can do well with support from individuals and the business community.

Speaking at unveiling ceremony of the top 17 finalists of Mr Botswana in Maun Lodge over the weekend, North West District Council chairman, Itumeleng Kelebetseng urged companies and individuals to appreciate the importance of initiative. Started by Mr Botswana Company director, Lekedzani Mokoloba, the initiative aims to produce well-rounded young men inspired and empowered to serve the community.

Young males aged between 18 and 35 participated in the Mr Botswana pageantry auditions across the country last year. The grand finale is slated for Maun later this year.

Kelebetseng said there was a growing feeling that focus had been on the girl-child while boys were left behind.

“The Mr Botswana Pageantry has the potential to empower and mould a boy-child into responsible citizens who can bring change and handle hardships of life. I urge the business community, to support such brilliant initiatives,” he said.

Kelebetseng said in most cases initiatives geared towards empowerment of men lacked funding, noting that the launch of Mr Botswana finalists could have been held last year but failed because of lack of sponsors.

To the contestants, Kelebetseng encouraged them to take the initiative seriously as it could open opportunities for them. He said they should also make efforts to support the organisers by mobilising more sponsors in their respective areas to come on board.

“Use your advantage as finalists to lure more sponsors as you engage in your individual projects in order to grow the initiative and eventually uplift your livelihoods. This is a brilliant programme which can cultivate mindset change and promote inclusivity,” he added.

Mokoloba who was once crowned ‘Mother of the Nation’ in 2021 thanked all who supported the initiative, saying it was not easy journey.

She appreciated that this year, some companies showed interest to assist hence they managed to reveal the top 17 finalists. She said the crowned king would have the opportunity to compete with others at Mr International scheduled for Panama this year.

“The winner of Mr Botswana will be the face and champion of all men and will be expected to come up with interventions that address men’s challenges which include sexuality, mental health, family planning and financial matters among others,” he said.

She said all the contestants would benefit from scholarships at Gaborone University College of Law and Professional Studies (GUC), adding that some fashion designers had come on board to assist with clothing of finalists.

She said initiative focus was not on pageantry alone, but extended to challenges faced by the boy-child such as gender-based violence and other social ills. ENDS