Miss Botswana scouting in full swing

MAUREEN ODUBENG
Staff Writer | Wednesday February 17, 2010 00:00

The scouting team has already covered a total of four areas - Francistown, Palapye, Jwaneng and Kanye. Some of the areas only had a few aspirants turning up to try their luck, probably with the hope of participating in the final Gaborone auditions, which always attract a larger number of hopefuls.

The Kanye and Jwaneng scouting, which took place over the weekend also did not get as many aspirants.  The search, however, still continues, and the next scouting session will be in Maun at Riley's Hotel this Saturday.

After Maun the scouting team will travel to Selebi-Phikwe on February 27, in its continued search of the beauty who will wear the Miss Botswana crown and drive away a luxurious Mercedes Benz SLK convertible Kompressor, which is this year's top prize. The Selebi-Phikwe scouting will be held at Bosele Lodge.

The busy team will move into Serowe on February 28, and hold auditions at the Serowe Hotel. To cater for the anticipated huge entry, the Gaborone scouting will be held over two days at Gaborone Sun on March 6-7.

It seems most aspirants prefer to audition in the capital city, which could also be largely influenced by the fact that some have left their areas of residence for further studies or in search of employment opportunities in Gaborone.

In an earlier interview with Mmegi Showbiz Thapelo Pabalinga, of 63 Entertainment, the organisers, stated that many young women from outlying areas prefer to attend the auditions in Gaborone, but noted that it puts them at a disadvantage because they have to face stiff competition from the multitudes that converge on Gaborone.  After the scouting process there shall be a series of selections and eliminations based on the sms votes from members of the public and a fashion show on May 1 where the lucky 30 finalists will showcase their talents. There shall also be a boot camp where grooming and mentoring will take place.

The Miss Botswana final will be held at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) on May 22, which will see 10 to 14 beauties battling for the coveted crown. The second prize is P50, 000 and the third is P10, 000.

All the prizes are being sponsored by the organisers. Women interested in auditioning for Miss Botswana are required to bring their Omang identity card, and a passport size photograph.

They must be aged between 16 and 23, not married, not pregnant, and have no child. Interested individuals are also required to pay P200 entry fee.