Beauty queens appeal for sponsorship
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Friday September 27, 2019 11:13
Mangadi and Gakeonyatse have been selected to participate in the continental pageant after being crowned Botswana Bikini Model 2018 and 2019 respectively.
The two told Arts & Culture this week that they needed funds for flight tickets, wardrobe (including gym wear and country cultural attire such as Makgabe, Matlalo and Hosana traditional wear) and country flags.
“I have only managed to acquire funding for my Visa, which costs P1, 500. But there is more that I need,” Gakeonyatse said in an interview.
The 21-year-old Kokong-born said her parents have covered expenses such as bootcamp, accommodation, meals and make-up but it’s not enough to make her participation at the pageant a success.
A third year medicine student at DDT College, Gaokenyatse expressed gratitude to her school that paid for Visa even though she said she expected much from the school.
“We are appealing for sponsorship. We have approached the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development but they can’t assist us. So our parents have tried but we need more people to come on board to help,” 25-year-old Mangadi said.
Meanwhile, the beauty queens have vowed to represent the country well and bring the crown home.
“We will be competing against 35 other beauty queens selected from other African countries after being trimmed from 300. Already, I have started thinking about my project for Miss Pan Africa. I want to start defence classes for women against rape,” Mangadi added.
Gakeonyatse said she intends to start a campaign against skin bleaching and darkening, which she said is a concern amongst women in Africa, especially the eastern region. She highlighted that the campaign would focus on encouraging women to be confident of their skin colour.
The coordinator of Botswana Bikini, Goratamang Monwametsi said it has proven difficult to attract sponsorships, but expressed hope that good Samaritans will come to their rescue.
Monwametsi stated that those willing to sponsor the beauty queens should reach them on Botswana Bikini Model Facebook page or send an email to goratamangmonwametsi@gmail.com.
She indicated that the Miss Pan Africa pageant would be held under the theme: Celebrating The African Woman. The grand finale for the beauty pageant is billed for November 1, 2019.