15 Aug 2024

Preparations for Miss Universe Botswana 2024 are in full swing, with the top 20 contestants in a boot camp that started on Wednesday.

Speaking in an interview with BOPA, the Miss Universe Botswana  Director, Safie Sekgwa, said the boot camp will end on August 22, adding that the intensive training of the girls will be done in Makgadikgadi Pans, Sowa Town, Nata and Elephant Sands.

Sekgwa explained that the purpose of the boot camp is to prepare the contestants for both the local grand finale and the international stage as well as for life after Miss Universe Botswana.

“We are especially focused on the contestants’ careers and philanthropic goals,” he said.

He said they  want the contestants to understand Botswana’s socioeconomic interests abroad, particularly as the country that seeks global recognition and competitiveness.

“This is a key driver of inward investment and tourism promotion,” he emphasised.

Sekgwa said Miss Universe Botswana  recognises  the importance of training  contestants to become solid global brand ambassadors who will drive the country’s international campaign.

“We believe that this campaign will amplify our national brand, attract high-value tourism, boost inward investment and promote our natural diamond exports through authentic stories told by Batswana.”he said .

He encouraged Botswana to leverage this media-rich and cost-effective platform to help propel the country towards economic greatness. “Impossible is nothing when you know your strength,” Sekgwa said  pointing out that Botswana’s strength was in its beauty.

Sekgwa said that Botswana should  use beauty to compete regionally and globally against rival economies pointing out that diamonds, tourism and culture were all symbols of beauty and resonated with Miss Universe.

Batswana along the highways should expect to meet and greet the Miss Universe Botswana 2024 Top 20 Finalists, Sekgwa said, adding that they will be hosting a launch party in Sowa Town on August 17.

“When the contestants return fully trained from the boot camps and ready to take on the Universe, they will make a stop in Palapye at Cappello for their after party on August 22,” he stated.

The grand finale is billed for the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) on September 21 and the winner will represent Botswana in Mexico City, Mexico, in November. ENDS