Rasesa Beauty Crowned Miss Independence Kgatleng
Spira Tlhankane | Monday September 17, 2018 11:40
Makgaka began her quest for the crown from the onset, as she impressed the panel of judges with her glittering walk and confidence. After the first parade with mateisi (German-print attire) and the second makgabe (traditional loin cloth), the former Miss Teen Rasesa had already won hearts of many people in the audience.
When the top eight was announced,the beautiful Makgaka was on top of her game as she swiftly answered her way into the top three. While it was much harder to determine the best amongst the top three young women from the Kgatleng region, Makgaka was just one question away from the crown.
The top three were each asked whether or not culture encourages gender equality and women empowerment. While the other two agreed, Makgaka blatantly said culture does not allow women to voice their opinion and remain true to their selves. She said Botswana culture from the onset has been putting men before women therefore that has never promoted gender equality nor promoted women empowerment.
Her honest and swift answer was enough to hand her the crown above all the other ladies who were eyeing it on the night. Wame Powe was crowned the second Princess while Ketshepileone Keaja got the second princess title.
In an interview with Showtime after been crowned, Makgaka said she never thought she could win this title. “I joined this pageant because I want to reach out to other young people like myself. My aim now as a queen is to encourage my age mates to believe in themselves and work hard to achieve their dreams,” she said.
The pageant director, Lebopo Bulayani said the mandate of pageant is to empower the girl child through lifestyle training no wonder they have a boot camp where they teach contestants about various aspects of life. “They get business skills, they get motivated on how cope with everyday life through mentorship,” she said. Bulayani added that after running the pageant for four years, she is grateful for the support they have received from the community and it shows that they are doing a great job.
“We are also teaching young ladies in schools how to handle themselves in public, avoid peer pressure and stand up for themselves,” she highlighted.
Bulayani said the current queen would visit children in schools to encourage them to value education. She said in the past, they had been invited by Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport & Culture Development MYSC but this year they only supported. The sponsors for the event were Collegium Book Publishers, Masitara Trust Fund, Ledingwana Guest House, Neelo Fitness and Wellness Club, Avenir Engineering, Theshi Travel and Tours, Club View Tours, Clicks Pharmacy, Facilaity Beauty Spa and 3D Entertainment. Makgaka walked away with a hamper worth P3, 500 from Clicks, an all-expenses paid trip to Durban by Club Views Tours and a P500 voucher from Facilaity Beauty Spa.