The allegations sparked concerns on various social media platforms with those concerned suggesting that there was no need to celebrate the good gestures from the ministry and other potential donors since the queen only gets 30% from the donations. It is argued that the 70% allegedly taken by the organisers leaving the reigning queen with 30% is a rip off. However Miss Botswana project manager, Massie Hule said the organisation does not get anything from the donations. “It is not true that we take some money from the reigning queen’s donations. According to the agreement that was signed with the Miss Botswana 2021 contestants, we agreed that the organisation will take 70% of the reigning queen’s appearance fee while she takes 30%.
The 70/30 applies only to Miss Botswana queen’s appearance fees and not her prize money or donations and gifts,” said Hule. He said according to the contract, the queen gets P100,000 which would be divided into P50,000 cash that would be paid at the end of the reign while the other half would be used for monthly allowance and essential benefits like medical aid and life insurance. He also pointed out that during the reign, the organisation would also provide management services, provide wardrobe, make up, transport, DStv, Internet, take care of the queen’s electricity and water bills. “For any appearance, the organisation takes care of all logistics involved for such appearances, wardrobe, makeup, accommodation, transportation, security and management fees. The top 30 selected contestants were given this contract during their orientation and were given time to take them to their lawyers and parents before signing. Donations mostly will be presents that the queen gets from willing citizens and companies. We do not share those with the queen, they belong to her,” he explained. Furthermore, he said that even though they had financial challenges, they made sure that things run smoothly.
