This pageant, more than a beauty contest, aims to nurture self-confidence, life skills, and a sense of community in its participants. The event was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and leadership, awarding young women for their unique talents and contributions, and highlighting the values that make the Hope Pageant stand out in Botswana’s pageantry landscape. With categories catering for different age groups, the Hope Pageant recognises talent across a broad spectrum. Titles awarded this year include Miss Tot Hope Botswana for girls under five, which went to the three-year-old Bosa Itumeleng, Little Miss Hope Botswana for ages five to nine, won by Grace Molebatsi, Preteen Hope Botswana for ages 10 to 13, awarded to Vivian Wangu Keatlholetswe, Teen Hope Botswana for ages 14 to 18, claimed by Lethabile Basimane, and Miss Hope Botswana for young women aged 19 to 27, awarded to Amantle Rakgane. The unique Miss Golden Heart title, judged across all age categories, went to Sethunya Itumeleng, recognising her kindness, empathy, and commitment. Director Sera Madiba, inspired by the need to empower young Batswana with vital life skills, founded Hope Pageant Botswana to go beyond the traditional bounds of pageantry. “I was inspired to host this pageant by the drive to equip young Batswana with life skills and exposure to international platforms. Hope Pageants is a place where young women learn to broaden their mindsets, embrace modern life skills, and become role models,” Madiba explained.
Now in its eighth year, the pageant has become a platform that prioritises personal growth, community impact, and future opportunities. The pageant’s categories this year awarded a variety of skills and achievements beyond traditional beauty standards.
