Miss Chobe Tourism an empowerment flagship
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday June 16, 2025 14:13
In an interview with Arts&Culture, she explains that Miss Chobe Tourism Botswana pageant and fashion show is more than a competition but a livelihood empowerment platform for school children and youth in the Chobe District. The upcoming edition of Miss Chobe Tourism Botswana 2025 is scheduled for October 25, 2025, at Wildview Resort in Kasane. The event promises to be an exciting and empowering event for the whole community. The pageant is part of the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) calendar of events. 'The inspiration to host the Miss Chobe Tourism Botswana pageant and fashion show came from my deep desire to create a platform that empowers young people, especially girls in the Chobe District. Growing up, I witnessed many talented young women with so much potential, but very few opportunities to shine, express themselves, or find support to grow beyond their circumstances. I wanted to change that,' she confidently said. Furthermore, she stated that the pageantry and fashion show were not just about beauty and style but tools for empowerment, tourism promotion, and cultural celebration.
She pointed out that Chobe is rich in natural beauty and youth potential. Through that platform, Mabutha said she aims to blend fashion, tourism, and education in a way that uplifts young girls, gives them a voice, and connects them to opportunities they may never have dreamed possible. She also stated that she saw the need to encourage pride in their culture and environment. She added that hosting that pageant under the Miss Chobe Tourism Trust allowed them to showcase local creativity, support local designers, and train young ladies to become ambassadors for positive change in tourism, conservation, and community development. Mabutha emphasised that the objective of their event is to build confidence, leadership, and public speaking skills among young ladies, thus preparing them to become role models and community ambassadors. She added that they aimed at highlighting the beauty, culture, and attractions of Chobe district and Botswana at large, using our contestants and fashion showcases as platforms for tourism advocacy. She also said they intend to celebrate cultural identity by promoting traditional wear, local designers, and African fashion, encouraging pride in their heritage and creativity through the fashion show element. 'This year, we will have 10 young girls from six to 12, 10 teenagers from 13 to 18 and young ladies from 19 to 35 who will be divided into three categories across Botswana and the Chobe region. We intend to have a total of 30 contestants. For contestants aged between 18 and 35-years-old, we allow married and unmarried people, girls aged between six years to 12 and 13 years to 17 years to participate. All our applicants must have no criminal record and participants must be fluent in English, Sesubia, or Setswana,' she said.
Moreover, she explained that Miss Chobe Tourism Pageant started its first edition last year, 2024 and continues to grow as an impactful platform in the region. She added that this year’s event will feature performances by exciting local artists and DJs, along with the Chobe Choral and a cultural choir formed as one of the MCT TRUST projects and emerging youth talents. Mabutha said the winner and her princess will walk away with scholarships in fields such as tourism and hospitality from Ambire Training Centre, which offers tourism courses, saying it has a partnership with the Miss Chobe Tourism pageant to sponsor winners with any courses of their choice. The winners will also be provided access to certified courses in areas like entrepreneurship or leadership to equip them with skills beneficial for personal growth and community initiatives. Mabutha also added that the pageantry will sponsor full company registration through the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA). She added that they will cover the fees for name reservation, incorporation, and other legal requirements.
'We will be empowering Miss Chobe Tourism winners with driving school training as a practical and impactful initiative. It enhances their mobility, independence, and professional development. Form partnerships with reputable driving schools in Chobe or nearby towns, negotiate sponsorships or discounted packages as part of a mutual promotion. We will also have a health and wellness package including gym memberships, spa treatments, or wellness retreat,' she ended.