08 Oct 2024

Twenty-seven-year-old Jakuaterua Mauano of Chukumuchu and 25-year-old Rijeterera Marenga of Xaixai were crowned Mr and Miss RADP Okavango District during an event held in Gumare on Saturday.

The two, who emerged winners out of 13 female contestants and 13 male contestants, would represent the district at the nationals to be held in Gaborone. Mmoloki Thindimba of Gani was crowned first prince while Emading Tshosa of Gudigwa emerged second prince.

 In the female category,  Constance Tuvare of Xaixai won the first  princess title and second princess went to Evelyn Katjimambo of Qangwa.

The contestants showcased in beach wear, traditional attire and evening gowns while the top five winners had to go through the questions and answer session to cement their win.

Speaking during the event, guest speaker, ABSA Botswana- Gumare operations officer, Oratile Mmolotsi observed that Okavango District Council (ODC) was hosting the pageantry for the second time since becoming an independent district.

Mmolotsi said Miss RADP aimed to unearth talent in remote areas by empowering contestants to become ambassadors of their areas to inspire fellow youth in those regions. She said the winners were assisted with funds to establish their project of choice to instill the spirit of entrepreneurship.

The Miss RADP pageant, she said had grown over the years since inception and had incorporated the male counterparts since 2018.

She said ODC was committed to ensure the beauty pageant was a success hence the P291 000 towards the event of which P28 400 was the prize money.

Mmolotsi, however, said ODC was concerned by low turnout of youth willing to compete in the pageantry.

 She urged youth in the respective areas to register in large numbers in future. She also appealed to stakeholders to come on board and support the initiative.

Giving objectives, ODC Deputy Council Secretary - operations, Michael Israel said the Mr and Miss RADP was a government initiative to show commitment to remote area development, identify talent and foster economic empowerment for youth in those areas.  Israel said the pageantry also promoted culture and an equal opportunity for the participants to promote their areas. ENDS