Miss Independence 2017 grand finale around the corner
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Thursday September 14, 2017 16:12
The pageant’s director, Gaonyafelwe Phuti yesterday, she told Showbiz that the beauty contest aims to preserve and appreciate Setswana culture. She said as culture changes everyday, they have decided to appreciate the new changes.
“However, appreciating new cultures does not mean that we have to abandon our native culture. Culture defines who we are as human beings and therefore it is very imperative to conserve it for our future generations,” she said.
Phuti explained that they chose 19 finalists from the 25 contestants during the Miss Independence 2017 fashion show that was held in Gaborone early this month. She said even though the fashion show competition was tough as all the contestants came fully prepared, they were able to select finalists who will be battling it out for the crown on the night. The contestants are aged between 18 to 35 years.
“We chose the finalists looking at the contestants’ confidence, knowledge of different Setswana activities such as languages from different Botswana tribes, traditional games, maele and diane. We have currently given the finalists tasks to research about their country where they will be making presentations at the grand finale,” she said.
She further explained that during the finale, they would also be looking at the contestants’ stage appearance and their knowledge of their country. She added that in their parades, the contestants will be showcasing German print and African print attires in different designs, playing traditional games such as diketo, mhele and black mmampatile and others.
Phuti added that the queen will walk away with P5,000 and a chance to compete in an international beauty pageant, Miss Heritage that will be held in South Africa in December. The first princess will walk away with P3,000 when the second princess will pocket P1,500 worth of prices.
She added that the Gaborone City mayor, Kagiso Thutlwe is expected to grace the event which will see local upcoming talents such as Letso, Planet Shakers, Mr Molz and others will entertain the audience.
“I would like to urge Batswana and private companies to support us so that we can groom national talent. Without their support, we cannot be able to take local entertainment industry to greater heights,” she said.
Entrance fee is P250 for a normal ticket while VIP tickets, to include dinner, drink and front row seat, sell at P500.