Newly crowned Miss Botswana pleads for no comparison
Sharon Mathala | Tuesday March 26, 2024 06:00
Gaothuse’s lithe frame and pretty face earned her the 55th Miss Botswana title.
Her second and first princesses are Sebaga Manyepetsa and Halle Hirschfeld respectively. Gaothuse, who also previously held the title of Miss teen Botswana 2019, is a tertiary student at the Gaborone College of law studying logistics and supply. A passion for health, God, crunching numbers and relatability are some admirable qualities that the new queen has, ultimately putting her home village, Tutume, on the map with bragging rights for birthing the fairest of them all in 2024.
On the night, Gaothuse was a clear crowd favourite alongside her princesses as evidenced by the loud cheers they received whenever they walked on the ramp. Her evening gown was a red shinny long dress, which stole the hearts of many. Her confidence on stage also set her above the rest.
Her beauty with a purpose project, which is an integral part of being a Miss World contestant, is titled ‘Lights’ The newly crowned queen said she wants to use the Miss Botswana platform to shine her light and amplify her passion for primary health care. “How many of us really don’t know how to react or what to do when another person faints or is experiencing a seizure. How many of us know first aid, CPR? Very few, and this I believe may be a life saving moment for someone and hence why I am passionate about this,” Gaothuse shared.
Speaking to Showtime after her coronation, Gaothuse said her background where she grew up with her grandmother who is now a retired nurse, sparked her interest in first aid and how critical it is. Her project was inspired by the need for every Motswana to be equipped on primary health care. Gaothuse is also a devout Christian who worships at Abundance City Church. Social media critics have begun to compare the queen to her predecessor, Miss World Africa, Lesego Chombo. But Gaothuse is not fazed. “I have my own journey. I know they will be comparing me to her but I have my own shoes and dreams to fill,” she said.
Her predecessor agrees with Gaothuse, telling the media that every queen has her own journey. “Well, it is only unique to her. I was compared to my predecessor as well so I think every reign comes with such comparisons and not just in Botswana. But everyone has their own journey as the queens before me. I wish her the very best with her journey and one thing I know is, Batswana will support her,” Chombo said. Notably, this year the Miss Botswana production was one of the best in years with the stage and lighting, and a huge attendance marking the interest the controversial organisation has earned of recent.