BLLAWU presented a cheque for P500 as a travel package and also pledged P1 000 to each of the contestants who will make it to the Top 20. Seabelo Express on the other hand offered complimentary free transport to and from Gaborone for the semi-finalists. Six contestants from Selebi Phikwe made it to the semi-finals during last week's auditions that were held at the Town Hall. It was the first time that the auditions were held in the mining town. The courtesy visit was held a day before their departure.
Mayor Lekang Mukokomani urged Selebi Phikwe residents to support the contestants as they were going to represent the town and the region. He also stated that it was therefore imperative that they be accorded all the necessary support they needed from all stakeholders. Mukokomani added that any form of assistance from stakeholders would go a long way in meeting the expenses that the contestants would incur during the competition. He also pleaded with media houses to grant the contestants the much-needed exposure that would give them a competitive advantage over their rivals. The mayor further urged companies to follow the Seabelo Express's gesture of goodwill. During an interview the contestants stressed that they would not give other competitors a chance as they are determined to put Selebi Phikwe on the map and showcase the raw talent the town has. "I am coming back here with the prize money in my hand," Connie Motshediemang told The Monitor.
