Answering Mahalapye East Member of Parliament (MP) Botlhogile Tshireletso, Minister Pheto told the House that the Miss Botswana pageant was, for example, given P50, 000 to cater for her attire.
"I am aware that this may be considered inadequate and efforts are being made to involve other stakeholders to assist as government alone cannot afford to finance the pageant," Pheto explained. He further stated that the Department of Culture and Youth gave the Miss Botswana pageant P50, 000, while the Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC) gave the same pageant a total of P52, 500."I am aware that there have been media reports relating to inadequate support for the Miss Botswana pageant. However, government's contribution through the Department of Culture and Youth and the Botswana National Youth Council has generally been substantial. I want to assure you of my ministry's support to the pageant as already indicated earlier. We will continue to assist and involve other stakeholders where there is need. Government appreciates the support various private sector sponsors have given to the Miss Botswana reigning queen, including allowances for her personal expenses and rental accommodation for her flat.
