Kanguatenge to hoist Botswana flag again
Maureen Odubeng | Thursday April 3, 2014 10:56
Licence holder under the Culture and Heritage Botswana Pageant Trust, Millicent Shunda, explained that due to time constraints they did not hold the local version of the contest.
Instead, Shunda decided to go with Kanguatenge because she already has experience with the international stage while meeting all requirements.
Kanguatenge, competed in the Miss Tourism World 2005, which was held in Harare, Zimbabwe.
In an interview with Showbiz, Kanguatenge, said she does not believe people should not pursue their dreams just because they have a disability.
“I used to watched beauty pageants on Btv and thought to myself if they can do it why can’t I do it,” she said.
She explained that through the support she got from Shunda she decided to give it a try and contested in the 2005 Miss Tourism World. Kanguatenge did not win anything at the 2005 pageant, but she is confident that she stands a good chance of bringing the Miss Deaf World crown home.
“I saw people who are able to hear entering pageants and some of them winning. That is when I decided that being deaf should not be an obstacle for me. I did not win anything at the Miss Tourism World, but it boosted my confidence,” Kanguatenge confidently said.
She said being deaf only means one cannot hear, but it does not mean they cannot pursue the same dreams as people who are able to hear and talk.
Kanguatenge said she hopes her courage to contest on the international stage, will encourage other people with disabilities to pursue their dreams and instil a sense of belonging in them.
She said she has observed that most people with disabilities tend to have a low self-esteem. They are always conscious about their being different, which can sometimes kill their dreams, she said and lead them to believe they are not good enough.
“I want to encourage people with disabilities to believe in themselves, and show them that they are as capable as any other person,” she said.
The 28-year-old currently employed by Shrenuj Botswana, explains that she wants to show Batswana that she as a deaf person can also hoist the country flag high on the international stage.
Kanguatenge said some people still do not believe people with disabilities can gainfully contribute to the country’s growth adding that she is going to give the contest her all, and show them that it is possible.
She said it would be ideal for her to go with her own interpreter from home, explaining that sign language differs from country-to-country.
“I believe for me to be able to communicate, it will better if I go with a sign language interpreter from my country,” she said.
Meanwhile, organisers are requesting sponsorship from the business community.
So far Sweeties Design, has committed to making three dresses for Kanguatenge, Sean Sebele of Botswana Travel Options has also committed to giving her pocket money and Contemporary Linens.