Miss Botswana winners get their prizes
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Monday October 12, 2015 18:00
Following the previous years’ controversy surrounding the prizes meant for the winners, this year’s organisers did not want to disappoint.
The queen, Seneo Mabengano received P100,000, while her first and second princesses, Nicole Gaelebale and Peggy Grynberg got P50,000 and P25,000 respectively. The trio was also awarded scholarship courtesy of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. Mabengano received a 100% full degree scholarship to complete her studies at the Limkokwing University in Malaysia and a one month Global classroom experience at Limkokwing London. This includes full tuition fees, return ticket to and from Malaysia at a tune of P588,503.47. The scholarship, however, does not include accommodation nor living allowances. Her princesses have also been given full tuition at the university’s Gaborone campus.
The queen has also been awarded one year accommodation by Apex Properties, a P1.5 million policy by Liberty Life and a weekend holiday at Sun City with a family of six by Sun International. Sun International also gave the first princess a midweek stay at Sun City with a family of six. Liberty Life also extended their policy cover to the first and second princesses who got P1 million and P500,000 funeral cover respectively while the 13 contestants were given policies worth P15,000 each. The top 16 contestants also walked away with selfie sticks. According to the beauty pageant’s spokesperson, Tshepo Maphanyane they have delivered and exceeded what they had promised.
“Did we not say we are going to do? Here we are, and we did it big. I am happy to say that the public was with us throughout and there was transparency in the process,” she said. She said throughout the process they celebrated local talent as entertainment and designer clothing were provided by Batswana, something that the nation has to celebrate.
When awarding the contestants, Lulu Rasebotsa of Liberty Life congratulated the new queen and told her that she is a true inspiration for many young aspiring future leaders and women. She said they were honoured to be part of the event. Her fellow sponsor, Mercy Thebe of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology said they collaborated with Miss Botswana to produce relevant creative content for Miss Botswana beauty pageant.
Representing the Ministry of Youth Sport and Culture, Thobo Tlhasana said Batswana should always support their own. He said they have taken a decision to be part of Miss Botswana event in the future. The ministry is said to be responsible for paying the venue for the Grand Finale, as well as paying for the queen’s trip expenses to China and her clothing. Botswana Council of Women legal advisor, Kgosietsile Ngakaagae said in the future, all prizes for Miss Botswana will be paid upfront to avoid any problems after the event.
He commended this year’s organisers for staying truthful to their word and delivering as expected.
He said the cheques for the winners will be ready for deposit by Tuesday.