Miss Botswana Finalists Down to 12
Spira Tlhankane | Monday August 19, 2019 14:50
For the past 25 days, the 30 women went through an informative boot camp that included amongst others seminars on day-to-day activities affecting the youth.
Although the top 12 were chosen based on the build up of activities leading to the fashion show, the latter was a final chance for the beautiful ladies to make their cut into the top 12.
The women who made it into the top 12 are 24-year-old Uua Murangi from Bodibeng, 20-year-old Joy Kopanang from Mahalapye, 22-year-old Truth Pule from Kanye, 25-year-old Oweditse Phirinyane from Serowe, 23-year-old Britney Maje from Mmathubudikwane, 23-year-old Wendy Maduma from Serowe, 23-year-old Maatla Diphuthi from Maun, 18-year-old Olorato Rantuana from Metsimotlhabe, 24-year-old Winfred Motcher from Serule, 22-year-old Oratile Baleti from Moshupa, 21-year-old Orefile Mokgojwa from Tlokweng and 25-year-old Michelle Letsoalo also from Tlokweng.
The selected women will compete for the coveted Miss Botswana 2019/20 crown at the grand finale to be held in Selibe Phikwe on September 21.
One of the judges, Miss Botswana 2005 Lorato Tebogo said they would like to support and groom younger beauty queens as they come up. “14 years ago I wore this crown and I know it’s not an easy place to be,” she said. Tebogo admitted that choosing the top 12 was a difficult process to go through and the judges had a tough time to decide the best candidates. She said among the criterion they were looking for was stage presence.
“When you go on the ramp do you command and own the stage? Sometimes when some people walk on the ramp everybody pays attention and the room goes quite, so we are looking for that kind of person,” she revealed.
Tebogo added that they were also looking for beauty being how the person looks naturally and how they had enhanced themselves. “We looked at how you have made yourself stand out from other contestants,” she said.
Tebogo said as judges each one of them looked at what they viewed as their version of beauty. Besides beauty she highlighted that they were also looking for presentation. “When you wear a dress we look at and how you showcase the accessories that you are wearing,” she said.
Tebogo said that the last thing they were looking for was impact. “We looked at who walked the stage and had the best impact. We were looking for the best in terms of how they walk and pose,” she concluded.
This year’s line up was made up mostly of young designers including Designer Boka Creations, Lelo’s Blessed Hands, Truebelle Desings, Ne’Lee Hirsch, Versatile Creations, Lt Peculisr Couture, Tony, Funky Resy, Kanyo M, Fierce Designs, Rit-ac-Collections and Lerang Tailor Fashion and Design. The 12 fashion designers and three accessories designers showcased great designs and also gave judges an opportunity to select the top 12 amongst the competing ladies. Performances on the night included Vee Mampeezy and Ozi F Teddy.