Ramasedi's Miss Universe hopes dashed by a Mexican

NELSON DIRENG
Correspondent | Thursday August 26, 2010 00:00

 

Ramasedi even failed to make it to the top 15 as she was eliminated early in the competition.

Named first princess at the pageant held in the US gambling city was Miss Jamaica, Yendi Phillipps whilst Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell emerged second princess.  Miss Ukraine Anna Poslavska and Miss Philippines Venus Raj secured fourth and fifth positions respectively.

Miss Universe 2009 winner Stefania Fernandez from Venezuela crowned Navarrete.  In an telephone interview with Mmegi on Tuesday, Miss Universe Botswana director Safie Sekgwa said although Ramasedi did not reach the final stages, she represented Botswana with distinction.  He said Ramasedi's loss was due to circumstances beyond their control.  'She was the best in answering questions and was even better than most of the finalists,' he said. 

Sekgwa said he believes Ramasedi lost because Botswana is one of the least-known countries worldwide. 'People did not even know what country we were representing with our blue, black and white flags,' he said.

Sekgwa blamed the Botswana Tourism Board (BTB) and BEDIA for their ineffective branding methods.  He urged them to pull up their socks if Botswana is to be recognised globally.  He also believes Botswana lost because of Internet ratings.  Most people in Botswana aren't exposed to the Internet and it was used to vote for favourite contestants. 'Miss Phillipines used this as an advantage because whenever her name was mentioned the crowd went wild,' he said.

South Africa is also a perfect example of a country well-branded because their contestant was able to make it to the top 15.

Sekgwa, however, thanked Batswana for their continued support throughout the competition.  Former president Festus Mogae sent a word of encouragement prior the competition whilst President Ian Khama gave Ramasedi his blessings before her departure to the US over two weeks ago.

'There were only about 10 Batswana cheering at the competition, but I'm sure we made an impact,' said Sekgwa.He said to his surprise Ramasedi was taking the loss quite well.  'I wondered how I was going to face her after she was eliminated only to find her still calm, jolly and smiling,' he said.  Another Motswana girl who represented Norway, Melinda Elvenes, failed to secure herself a spot in the top 15.

Ramasedi and the Miss Universe Botswana crew are expected home next week.