At only 12-years-old, Hope Katlego Segaetsho has already become a national inspiration, carrying the titles of Miss Pre-Teen Hope International Botswana 2023/2024 and Miss Golden Heart 2023/2024.
Her journey in pageantry goes far beyond crowns and sashes. Segaetsho embodies a powerful message of resilience, community, and cultural pride. Now, as she prepares to represent Botswana on an international stage in Cape Town, South Africa, at the Miss Pre-Teen Hope International competition, her aspirations reflect not just personal achievement but a deep desire to bring the spirit of Botswana to a global audience. Segaetsho’s entry into pageantry came naturally, beginning in small local competitions when she was very young. Yet, even then, her goals were not merely about appearance. “When I first joined pageantry, I thought it was just about being a role model,” she shared. “But with time, I realised it was a platform to reach out and bring light to my community. Pageantry has allowed me to make people smile and use my voice to inspire others,” she added.
Her dedication to using pageantry as a platform for positive change reveals her vision for leadership and community service, qualities that now define her work and her goals. Representing Botswana internationally is not only a dream for Segaetsho but a tremendous honour. “For me, representing my country is a huge, exciting role because it gives me a chance to sell Botswana to the world,” she said passionately. “I’ll be sharing with them the richness of our culture, our wildlife, our peace, and our values as Batswana.” Her excitement is palpable as she discusses the chance to promote Botswana’s unique natural beauty and cultural heritage. From the Okavango Delta to the nation’s deep commitment to peace and community, Segaetsho aims to leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets in Cape Town. She sees this role as an opportunity to act as a true ambassador, not just for herself but for the entire country. Her platform for asthma awareness speaks to her dedication to community service, a cause close to her heart. Having seen the impact asthma has on people’s lives, Segaetsho has committed herself to educating school children about its symptoms, causes, and management. “It’s painful to see people suffering because of something that can be managed,” she shared. “My hope is to reduce asthma cases in schools and make learning environments safer for everyone,” she said. This commitment has led her to tirelessly reach out to schools and communities, even in the face of challenges like securing presentation opportunities and limited sponsorship. Yet, her resilience remains unshaken. “Hope Pageants Botswana has given me the resilience to overcome obstacles, and my family has been my backbone,” she said, expressing her gratitude to the community for the support that keeps her moving forward. Preparing for the international stage has been intense and multifaceted.