Michelle Marumo crowned first queen Esther

BABOKI KAYAWE
Staff Writer | Monday September 13, 2010 00:00

Tell you what; if you doubt the existence of beauty in the house of the Lord, Gaborone Sun was the place to be to clear your doubts.

Young Christian beauties convened in a spiritual battle for a queen with character to glorify the name of Jesus Christ and serve as a role model, especially to the young Christian community.  However, a role-modelling exercise for the entire Botswana youth is also in the offing.

Beauty in all its forms - both inner and outer beauty.  Asked what her substantial characteristics were, which could see her resemble the inwardly and physically beautiful Esther, Marumo said, 'zealousness in life, passion and dedication' in everything she does - and above all her respect for the gift of life that God bestowed upon her - earned her a place on King Achashvairosh's throne.

First appearing decently in traditional wear, which showcased the magnificent power of the German Print, known as leteisi in the vernacular, one could see that beauty need not walk the streets nude for it to shine bright.  The 10 finalists graciously walked the ramp, amid applause and chants of 'Glory! Glory to God'.  Gloriously the girls showcased their embodiment of the orphaned Esther to the accompaniment of the spirit-nourishing gospel music.

The infinite shouts of Michelle's name were more than enough to not only see her take the lead, but make her an angel in  heaven located in Gaborone Sun.

The evening gown was yet another piece that revealed the girls elegantly and shining for a good cause.  With a different twist from other beauty pageants, Marumo was crowned together with four runners-up who are to form the Queen Esther Team of 'character'.

Yes, character - the pageant is a celebration and expression of ultimate true beauty, intelligence and integrity.  A search for the most inwardly and outwardly beautiful and talented young woman who displayed a Christian character and is a good role model for today's generation throughout the screening process, which started in April this year. 'The selected queen would be positioned to share Christian values, which uphold morality in society. 

She would also be expected to act as an ambassador at national and international forums,' pageant founder Vehae Tjiriange said.

Tjiriange is Miss Malaika Botswana 2005, and she went on to become first Princess Miss Global 2007 in Kingston, Jamaica.  The biblically inspired pageant will see Queen Esther Marumo, and her team, work on a number of projects aimed at moral regeneration - preaching abstinence among others.  They will work with Love Botswana outreach mission to launch REACH 4 LIFE (an abstinence programme for youth) at junior secondary schools and with Botswana Christian AIDS Intervention Programme.

The queen will also work with the Department of Arts and Culture in a role-modelling programme to be rolled out soon, an official from the department said.