05 Sep 2024

 One of the Vision 2036 aspirations is for Botswana to reach a high-income economy status. 

Miss Universe Botswana as such recognises that they can energise the journey by taking advantage of what they identify as their strength and beauty. 

This was said by Sofie Sekgwa, founder and national director of Miss Universe Botswana at a press conference in Gaborone on Wednesday.

The event was meant to cement the collaboration Miss Universe Botswana established with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology early this year. 

“You talk about diamonds, arts and culture and tourism, that is beauty,” he remarked. 

He said in order for them to effectively market the country on the global stage, they had to take advantage of the competitive advantage as a developing economy. 

Sekgwa said the pageant was the world’s biggest show with brand and followers. 

Meanwhile, the Miss Universe Botswana finale will be held at the GICC on September 21.

“The winner will leave the country on October 27 to represent the country in Mexico. The international pageant is schedule for November 16,” he said.

He reminded the audience that the country first participated in Miss Universe World in 1999 where the pageant recorded history when Mpule Kwelagobe scooped the crown. 

He encouraged the contestants, saying the Miss Universe was not easy urging them to take advantage of the platform to advance their career. 

He said Miss Universe Botswana created space and shaped women who could share their stories. 

“The platform is a catalyst for future success and it empowers women to realise their ambition, build self-confidence,” he said.  

Limkokwing University Academic Management Regional Director, Onalenna Phambuka, said the event signified a milestone for Limkokwing University Botswana as they pride themselves as a creative hub that nurtured creativity. 

“With creativity, we nurture bold people. We are always willing to partner in more opportunities or projects that Miss Universe Botswana will unveil to us,” she said. 

She added that they were privileged and honoured to be part of the Miss Universe planning journey. 

She said it was a welcome development that after a 10-year hiatus, the event was finally back. 

“The winner will be given a scholarship to study the programme of their choice. 

All the contestants will wear a line designed by one of the university’s student currently studying Associate Degree in Fashion Design. The partnership will motivate the exploration of more possibilities as they progress towards a fruitful and mutual prosperity for the future of Miss Universe Botswana pageantry.”

“We are pleased to be part of the collaboration with other stakeholders as we witness and make this significant ceremony a success. 

We are ready to see the growth of the pageant in the next years and we are more than willing to contribute to its success,” she said. . Virgin Active Fitness Centre Sales Marketing Tembi Male, congratulated the contestants saying her organisation had pledged support of physical fitness. 

She announced that the three top winners would be given free membership at the Virgin Active Fitness Centre. Ends