17 Mar 2025

In a dazzling night filled with glamour, poise and performances, excited attendees watched in awe as the Miss Teen Botswana pageant reached an exciting conclusion over the weekend, crowning Margaret Nasha as the new titleholder at Travel Lodge.

Succeeding the reigning Miss Teen Botswana queen, Onkatlile Koolatotse, the well-spoken 18-year-old from Otse captivated the audience and judges with her confidence and eloquence, particularly when she spoke about her project called Kagiso Lapeng during the question and answer segment, a project, which aims to combat gender-based violence (GBV).

“I always say that we are not dealing with GBV as a whole. We are specifically dealing with domestic violence. The more I work on this project the more I fall in love with it,” said Nasha during an interview following her sensational victory.

She also expressed immense joy over her win describing it as her redemption run.

“I joined Miss Teen back when I was around 16-years-old and lost. In fact, I ended at Top 12. But when I returned this year, it was with one goal. To get the crown,” Nasha said, giving gratitude to one of the judges who mentored her on the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic from the beginning until the end.

“I want Batswana to know that this title is safe with me, and that I will carry it with honour and dignity. From this day forward, my focus is going to be impact,” said Nasha.

The black tie ceremony was teemed with family, friends, pageant enthusiasts and various pageantry winners of all ages, including the current Miss World Botswana, Anicia Gaothusi.

From time to time, attendees erupted in deafening cheers as the talented young contestants, ranging from 13 to 19 years showcased their poise in their evening gowns, their intelligence during the questions and answer segment and talents through dance and song, alongside a demonstration of their commitment to community service.

“As judges we looked at the young girls’ personalities, confidence, how teachable they are as well as how they related with others from the get go. Positive traits that we found in Margaret,” said the pageant judge and medical doctor, Dr Goabaone Rankgoane-Pono, who was responsible for helping the contestants foster a healthy lifestyle.

Anke Nkwe was crowned the first Princess while Vanessa Stegling was crowned the second Princess. ENDS