Gobuamang reflects on Mr World journey
30 Nov 2024
The Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs in collaboration with Mr World Botswana organisation, hosted an interactive welcome session recently for Mr World Botswana 2024, Vincent Gobuamang in Gaborone recently.
The 22-year-old Gobuamang hails from a small settlement in Ghanzi called Qabo.
Gobuamang began his journey to this global platform after winning the Mr Remote Area Development Programme (RADP) Fashion Show in 2022, which qualified him for the Mr World Botswana.
His victory as Mr World Botswana granted him the opportunity to represent Botswana at the Mr World competition, which was held in Vietnam last month.
Despite his shortfall of not advancing to the Top 20, he captivated the judges with his remarkable showcase of Botswana culture and tradition, shining a global spotlight on his beloved Qabo.
His efforts earned him a place in the Mr World Top 30 Beauty With A Purpose project and Top 5 in the Sport Challenge (running), which proved his resilience, determination, confidence, strength and talent to break barriers regardless of one’s language and background.
Speaking at his welcome session, Gobuamang said the three weeks’ life changing journey was very challenging with his first flight to Doha, where he was exposed to inconsiderable climatic conditions and cuisine, which was not acquainted, to his palette.
He further expressed gratitude for the support rendered by his manager, Benjamin Raletsatsi, who accompanied him to Vietnam and also the immerse support shown by Batswana whom he said voted for him throughout the tenure of the competition.
"I am so thankful to my friends, Batswana as a whole, my mother for giving me these looks and confidence. I did not only bring home two medals but I also got a cash prize, which is yet to be disclosed and most importantly, I was able to make new friends and network despite language differences.” he reminisced.
Amongst esteemed guests and dignitaries at the session was Gobuamang’s mother Keyakae Gobuamang.
“I am very happy for what my child has done. I am thankful for Batswana’s support, they have accepted my child as their own, and there was never a day I was told that my child was not in his best behaviour. I am filled with much gratitude that my child has managed to put Qabo on the spotlight. We are now recognised,” she said.
Department of Social Development acting director, Ben Semommung said Gobuamang was a true personification of a global icon as he had shown that anything was possible if one believed.
He described Gobuamang as a well-mannered young man who sets his mind on achieving his goals saying this served as an inspiration to the young ones.
He said it was up to Gobuamang to determine his destiny with this platform and continually inspire young ones, reflect on the nation’s rich cultural heritage and a future where the term rural dweller does not exist thanks to his eagerness to make a lucrative future for all where voice and cultural identity is seen and celebrated.
Mr World Botswana representative and public relations officer, Basadi Masimolole, said they collaborated with Mr RADP and the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs to bring this prestigious occasion to life.
She further reiterated that the young star faced challenges such as language barrier, but all thanks to his through the roof confidence and dedication to his craft he managed to overcome all obstacles.
She emphasised that despite his background and shortcomings, they stand proud of him as he managed to portray who Batswana were regardless of socialisation.
Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Deputy Permanent Secretary (operations), Ms Mmamiki Kamanakao, highlighted the importance of promoting youth empowerment, life skills development and behavioural change through tailor made interventions that resonated with the modern youths.
She further signified government’s commitment to the National Mindset Change Agenda and Vision 2036.
“This monumental achievement resonates with the government pillar one of building a deep economy that offers each citizen opportunities for a happy and fulfilled life, which includes employment creation. Also, this young man has proven that every man is an architect of his own fortune, so please Batswana let us continue to support young people in the country”, she said. Ends
Source : BOPA
Author : Thato Setlhare
Location : Gaborone
Event : Welcome ceremony
Date : 30 Nov 2024
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