Mister Gaborone to showcase talent
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Thursday February 23, 2017 17:27
Oratile Phofhedi from Molepolole told Showbiz that the pageant started as a concept of bringing young talented Batswana men together. He said after meeting sponsors who were keen to endorse the pageant provided that it brings a positive change to the community he decided to make it a pageant with purpose. “We decided to make it a more community based project. We are endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness through the Safe Male Circumcision (SMC) programme. We know that talk is cheap so we decided to work with SMC. We partner with them in all their campaigns. During our promotional activities we will call them to teach local men about health issues so this is a win-win situation,” he said.
Phofhedi said they had also decided to align themselves with heritage. He said the director of Mister Heritage International, Culvin Maunga, agreed to take Mister Gaborone king to their pageant that would be held this year at a date and venue yet to be announced.
“We are proud of our heritage. We want to take it internationally so that it can be recognised beyond our boarders,” he said.
The young man added that they are in contact with Men and Boys Gender Equality who will help them empower Batswana men on different issues affecting men and raise awareness on gender based violence. He added that they are building a profile where they want their winner to have a significant role to play in the community.
He also pointed out that Mister Gaborone aims to bring a positive image to the local pageantry industry as some pageants directors had tarnished it. He said sponsors and Batswana at large had lost faith in the industry.
“When we approached Khanyi Mbau about our pageant and its intensions she was sold. She agreed to come over during the grand finale and support us. A famous fashion columnist Gilmore Tee has also shown interest on our show. He will be here in Mister Gaborone Grand Finale in April 1,2017,” he said.
Phofhedi said he had decided to rely on local artists for the pageant such as Koola, George Staggz, a dancer called Phantom and a live rhumba group called Mademo and Bilima Stars. Charity Koobokile will be hosting the show. He said they would invite different dignitaries such as dikgosi, Mayor of Gaborone Kagiso Thutlwe, MPs and others.
Tickets price start from P200 silver, P400 gold ticket that includes complimentary drinks and finger food and P750 for Kings and Queens tickets that include finger foods, complimentary drinks and a bottle of expensive wine.
They can be purchased from Botswood Office at Thapong Visual Arts Centre, Café Partial and Westgate, Kgale and Molapo Liquoramas.