08 Jul 2024

Miss Teen Botswana, Onkatlile Koolatotse, is the third runner-up in the Miss Teen International competition. 

The 17-year-old was crowned Sunday night during the grand finale in India, where Miss Cambodia won the Miss Teen International title, followed by the first Runner up from Cuba, the second Runner Up from Namibia, and the fourth Runner Up from Mexico. 

Following her crowning, Koolatotse recorded a video thanking Batswana, expressing that it was through their faith and love that she achieved the third runner-up position. 

In addition to her success, Koolatotse won the Best National Costume and Miss Popularity awards.  According to the Miss Teen Botswana social media page, Botswana’s national costume drew profound inspiration from the Mowana tree, also known as the Baobab Tree, making it stand out. 

The national costume symbolised the nation’s strength, resilience, and enduring spirit. 

The Mowana tree, an integral part of Botswana’s cultural heritage and natural landscape, is often referred to as the ‘Tree of Life’ due to its myriad uses and symbolic significance. 

Koolatotse is also the founder of Smile the Little Flower Foundation, an organisation she established after visiting Betesankwe in 2020. 

The foundation advocates for children who cannot speak up about the issues confronting them and it gives a voice to those who have been silenced or go unnoticed. 

The foundation focuses on three main goals; inclusion, opportunity, and mental health, while continuing to help teens realise and advance their dreams. Ends