THE GIRL WITH THE GOLDEN SMILE
Let’s go back in time for a bit. I want to know when and how you got into pageantry?
It was definitely because of my passion. I am still relatively new to pageantry because I started in 2021. My first ever participation in a pageant was for Miss Botswana, a huge leap of faith, I know! I did not make it past the top 16, sadly. After that, I tried out for Miss Independence Botswana last year and actually won. That was the validation I needed to confirm this path that I dared to take.
How supportive has your family been throughout your journey?
I am from a very closeknit family. My dad lives in Maitengwe and I live here with my two older brothers. They have been extremely supportive throughout my journey. There hasn’t been a time when I asked for something and they did not do it for me. Whenever I needed something and it wasn’t there, they worked hard to avail it.
The final year of school is notoriously the hardest and most demanding. How do you balance school and pageantry?
It is honestly quite easy because Miss Supranational is a platform that seeks to empower young women. So, they make sure that every aspect of our lives is balanced. They have reinforced that education is the first thing that makes their desired queen. So, what they have done is drawn out a schedule for me to make sure that I attend classes, as well as fulfilling my responsibilities as the queen. You don’t have to worry, I am not missing any lessons!
And after graduation, careerwise, which side are you leaning towards, media or pageantry?
I have always believed that I am called to make a positive difference in people’s lives and I will gravitate towards that career choice that enables me to do that. Right now, I am considering pageantry as a full-time career. I am not quite set on whether I will pursue mediarelated careers on the side, but I’ll figure that out as time goes.
What inspired you to pursue the Miss Supranational title?
There are so many beauty pageants in Botswana and when I first heard of Miss Supranational, I was like, ‘That’s something big.’ I quickly got to learn that this is a movement that is going to redefine pageantry in Botswana and I did not want to miss out on the opportunity to ride along.
What would you say set you apart?
I know for a fact my confidence gave me an edge. On top of that, I would say my hunger. Gosh, I wanted this and I wanted it badly! So, I made sure I put in maximum effort so that in the end, whether I win or lose, I would have no regrets because I gave it my very best.
A good motto to live by! Take us through the preparation process for the pageant?
That is a hectic one! We had a short time to prepare for the grand finale. We were panel beaten and that came with so many workshops and bootcamps. They were looking for not only a beauty queen but an empowered queen, as I already mentioned. That meant hours spent soaking in loads of knowledge and learning new skills and habits.
Skills and habits such as?
We had to learn how to do our own make-up, how to carry ourselves like queens, public speaking and the most daunting - we had to be up early in the morning for gym. It felt like a lot of work in the beginning, but as I look back, I am realising that the timid and unsure girl who walked into that audition room is no more.
As Miss Supranational, you now have the responsibility of looking out for your people. What is your project about?
The focus of my project is Mental Health. I won’t give it all out in order to maintain that element of suspense, but I will mention four areas on which it focuses. The first thing is to empower local entrepreneurs. Secondly, I hope to close the communication gap between the youth and elders in order to create a safe space where they each can burp out whatever struggles they have without fear or reservations. Thirdly, I want to give back to the community and, lastly, it’s about appreciating Botswana culture, especially our roots and where we come from.
Sounds intriguing. Speaking of mental wellbeing, what does Miss Supranational Botswana do to care for her mental health?
They say health is wealth so my mental wellbeing is definitely a top priority. I try hard not to overthink situations and I make sure to be in touch with my emotions. I have come to learn that confronting and dealing with your emotions is medicine.
I know your win is still fresh, but the journey to Poland is already in motion. What can Batswana expect from you?
Nothing but the best! This is a huge platform that, if used properly, which we intend to do, can sell Botswana internationally. I will also be bringing that crown home!
How would you best describe your experience in three words?
A rollercoaster of emotions!
Congratulations once more on being the first ever Miss Supranational Botswana. What will her majesty be up to this weekend?
We have had our first international invitation. The team will disclose more information with time, however, that is what I’ll be up to and I cannot wait.