ANICIA, MISS BOTSWANA 2024
What inspired you to compete in the Miss Botswana pageant?
I don’t have a specific inspiration because everyone I have come across teaches me something. All of the previous queens have inspired me to take a step forward because what we are doing is for a purpose and to sell Botswana as a tourism destination of choice. It’s about the beauty industry putting a message out there that we are as important as any other country, and marketing our tourism product and diamonds in the process.
Can you share your journey to the crown. What were some of the highlights and challenges you faced along the way?
We were in the competition for over three months. The first week was the most intense as we were put through our paces, which tested us mentally, emotionally and physically, pushing us to the limit. The journey to the Miss Botswana crown was extremely tough but fulfilling.
As Miss Botswana, what are some of the causes or initiatives you plan to champion during your reign?
Something that is deep in my heart is advocating for primary health care. I lived with my grandmother, who was a nurse, and my stay with her allowed me the opportunity to visit the clinic and develop a love for the health sector. So, now that I have this platform, I think its important to use it to teach people about primary health care, how they should take care of themselves and their neighbours. So, this is all about creating a safe atmosphere for the community; being able to help people first at home before we rush them to the clinic, so that’s definitely my project. I’m also willing to work with other organisations in any way to serve my country because we have other areas of concern in the country like gender-based violence and abuse. I’m here to serve the country.
What advice would you give to young women who aspire
to follow in your footsteps and compete in pageants?
Shyness comes with fear of something or people’s opinion about you or even how you behave, but pageantry is that opportunity to close that gap and know that whatever you do and say do count as equally important. So, my word to those young girls out there is that I want them to believe in themselves, they must believe in their worth and importance to our country.
What are your goals and aspirations beyond your reign as Miss Botswana?
My CIPS studies is a testament that I am into logistics, but I’m also into hospitality. So, eventually I want to deal with what is going into Botswana and what’s going out in terms of tourism and diamonds.
You are passionate about primary health care but doing CIPS, is this not the opposite of what you like?
There is nothing like the opposite, I can be in procurement and supply end of the health care sector. I always connect things to what my vision and goals are.
How do you plan to promote cultural diversity and inclusivity during your time as Miss Botswana?
As Batswana, we are diverse and to do that is to represent every district. While living with my grandmother, we moved from one place to another due to the nature of her job so I have learnt to appreciate diversity and different cultures.
What do you believe set you apart from other contestants and ultimately led to your victory?
I have always believed that the final night is only 20 percent of the judging criteria. Of course, the show is for the people but what you have been doing for the three months of camping is what makes someone stand out. All the girls stood out beautifully in every part of the journey, it’s just that there is only one crown. But I do believe I have the gift of unity, surprisingly people were united to rally behind me and the support was immense. So, the unity that brought people together made me stand out.
Three months living with other contestants for the competition, with everyone yearning for the title, how did you relate there?
At some point you have to be yourself in order to relate and understand each one of them. Everyone was different and had something to offer so I learnt a lot from them. So, we were sisters more than competitors and pushed each other to do better.
Any word from previous Miss Botswana queens prior to the night of your crowning?
We met with the likes of Chombo, Moitshepi Elias and Nicole Gaelebale, and we had the chance to experience what Miss Botswana had to go through and what she needs in order to get the crown.
What’s next between now and Miss World Competition?
When we talk about Miss Botswana, we talk about someone who belongs to the people, so this whole journey is for me to serve people. I will be available for Batswana in any way to represent them and their interests.
Where do you draw your inspiration?
I don’t have any specific route of inspiration, everyone I meet I get a chance to learn something from. That is something which is deeply rooted in me, that I can learn something different from everyone. I am open-minded to learn and pick up things that I believe I might need in my journey of life.
Your word to Batswana who offered you so much support?
I’m very thankful for the support I got from Batswana, and I urge them to continue to support me as we go for the big crown.