Gaothusi elevates Botswana’s presence

Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Wednesday June 4, 2025 11:50

Among the over 110 delegates competing from around the world, Botswana’s representative, Anicia Gaothusi, advanced to the Top 40 and was recognised as one of the Top 10 African contestants. Gaothusi earned the Miss Botswana title in 2024, qualifying her to represent the country at the international event. The competition featured several rounds and fast-track challenges, including categories such as Talent, Sports, Head-to-Head interviews, and Top Model. Contestants were evaluated over multiple weeks before the live finale, which announced the Top 20 semifinalists. Although Gaothusi did not advance to the Top 20, her placement in the Top 40 marks a progression beyond the preliminary rounds, an outcome that places her among the stronger-performing candidates. Detailed scoring and rankings for the various competition segments are not typically disclosed by the Miss World Organisation.

The Miss World pageant maintains a multi-faceted judging approach that considers contestant’s performances in diverse areas, balancing physical presentation with talents and interview skills. This broad format aims to identify a candidate capable of representing the organisation’s global mission. Following the final results, reaction among Batswana varied across public and social media platforms. Some expressed recognition of Gaothusi’s achievement in a highly competitive international environment. Others noted the need for increased investment in training, preparation, and support to improve Botswana’s future performances in such events. On social media, posts ranged from expressions of pride to calls for strategic development of pageant candidates. Several commentators acknowledged the challenge of competing on a global stage with well-resourced contestants from larger countries. Others compared Botswana’s outcome to those of other African nations, some of which advanced further into the competition. Botswana’s history at Miss World has seen relatively limited success in advancing beyond initial rounds. Gaothusi’s placement in the Top 40 represents one of the more notable results for Botswana in recent years. This has sparked discussion about the country’s approach to international pageantry and what steps might be taken to enhance competitiveness. Throughout the competition, candidates took part in fast-track events designed to showcase specific skills and qualities.

These included the Talent competition, Sports Challenge, and the Head-to-Head Challenge where delegates engage in public speaking and interviews. Success in these areas can influence progression to later rounds. The overall pageant scoring also incorporates regional rankings. Gaothusi’s recognition as one of the Top 10 African contestants reflects her relative performance among her continental peers, though it did not lead to advancement into the final Top 20. While Botswana did not secure one of the top placements at Miss World 2025, Gaothusi’s participation contributed to the country’s continuing representation on the global stage.

The results have generated renewed interest in national pageant structures and the preparation of future representatives. Miss World remains one of the largest and most widely viewed international beauty pageants, known for combining traditional pageantry with a focus on social impact initiatives. Botswana’s involvement in the event provides opportunities for cultural exchange and international visibility. As the country reflects on this year’s participation, attention has turned to strategies for improved preparation and support for future contestants. The Miss World platform continues to serve as a benchmark for global representation in beauty and advocacy.