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Friday, 19 April 2024

Dazzling Queen Oweditse answers the Miss World call…

WeekendLife

Miss World made their call, and our Queen, our hot number, answered. The Queen will be jetting off to London tomorrow! But before that, Miss World is the oldest running international beauty pageant. It was created in the United Kingdom by Eric Morley in 1951.

Since his death in 2000, Morley’s widow, Julia Morley, has co-chaired the pageant. Along with Miss Universe, Miss International and Miss Earth, this pageant is one of the Big Four International beauty pageants- the most coveted beauty titles when it comes to international pageant competitions.

Every year, Miss World makes calls to over a hundred of participants from across the entire globe, some receive the call very well, and some miss it, while some reject the call. This year alone, 125 beauty queens from all continents received and acknowledged this call, and our very own Miss Botswana is one of them. Miss World 2019 will be on its 69th edition and it will be held on December 14th at the ExCel London in London, United Kingdom. Vanessa Ponce of Mexico will crown her successor at the end of the event, and who knows; maybe that crown belongs to our very own diamond.

Oweditse Phirinyane’s profile has been officially added to the Miss World website, and she will jet off to London tomorrow in hopes of bringing the crown home in December. The Miss World 2019 contestants who will be competing for the title this year have been put up on the website, together with their images. Judging by how extraordinary and influential their profiles are, I cuss, it’s going to be a threatening race.

The girls are equally gorgeous, canny, and bright and they all strive for one common goal…to wear the Miss World crown for the very first time in their lives. Now, the question is who will? Well, I will be following the Miss World journey, and shall our Queen win, I will definitely let you guys know! Even if she doesn’t bring the crown home, I will have chat with her over a cup of coffee, to get to know where we went wrong, and how the experience was like!

Contestants will arrive two weeks prior to pageant night where they will compete in a number of tasks leading up to the final show where a winner will be chosen. So, this week, because it’s the last week before jetting off to London, an idea got tossed out of nowhere to actually have a chat with one of Miss Botswana organisers to see what it really takes to get to compete for the crown, what our Diamond has been up to and how prepared is she to bring that crown home, I mean, we want it here! And we can have it here anyway…

In an exclusive interview with Weekend Life, Public Relations Officer Pauline Dikuelo said the Queen has been working on her health, body and mind. ‘’We have been undergoing various exercises and diets to have her in good shape. Miss World is about health, fitness, toned muscles, symmetry and proportion. She had to avoid eating too much food, but it’s critical she eats different kind of nutritious food. Protein three to five times a day, tons and tons of veggies and creative cheat days, like having chocolate cake just to have a different twist once. We added the crazy workout schedule to her time, I mean women competing in a beauty pageant start their fitness and diet plans six months to a year in advance.

At the Miss World pageant, a contestant should know how to apply herself makeup. Dikuelo noted that the Queen has been having tutorials on foundation application, contouring, contouring and more contouring. ‘’She drew her eye brows, extended them out, her lip liner brought far below her natural lip line to make her lips appear larger and fuller. She was even taught how to apply her make-up within 30 Minutes as contestants at the Miss World will be given 30 minutes backstage to do their own.’’ She said

The Queen has also learnt how to perfect her walk. Walking is about more than just being able to handle yourself in a pair of stilettos. Walking and posing are about projecting confidence- standing with shoulders back, speaking confidently and showing your personality. Miss Botswana also had dance trainings, public speaking coaching by Toast Masters, her beauty with a purpose project documentation that is based on the basket weaving ladies from SPEDU region, where the Miss Botswana 2019 finale was held, for the very first time outside Gaborone.


Dikuelo also indicated that the Queen is taking many dresses from many local designers, and her finale dress is designed by Thabiso Dibeela of ‘ThabieD’ and her Top Model dress by House of Kay. For sportswear, she will be in Olep Clothing and Options Botswana came on board to assist with shoes. However, all of her dresses were to be collected yesterday, and she will be leaving tomorrow.

Before giving you a list of former beautiful queens who represented us at the Miss World pageant before, let’s look at how to become Miss World. From elegant makeup to glimmering dresses, competing in beauty pageants is the closest a girl can come to feeling like royalty. Not only does Miss World focus on the staples of beauty and talent, it encourages girls to become well-rounded by encouraging world involvement and global activism.

Ensure you meet gender requirements. While men have the option to compete in the Mister World pageant, you must be legally identified as a woman in order to compete in Miss World. Up until recently, transgender women were allowed to represent their country for Miss World, but could not actually win the competition. These rules have since changed. While it is not necessary to have been born in the country you are representing, you must possess legal documentation of citizenship. Citizenship can be obtained through permanent residency or via naturalization.

Ensure you title as a ‘’Miss’’ being unmarried and childless. Most countries define being single as unmarried in any capacity, including religious, tribal or civil. Miss World requires its applicants to have had no legal troubles or criminal record in the past. Countries are also strict on reputation and general presence, requiring that individuals not bring shame upon themselves, their country, or the competition at large.

Miss World wants a participant to prepare to define just what they bring to the competition. During your qualifying interview, you will be establishing what you can bring to the table as both a national and international representative of Miss World. While some interviews may come as part of the pageant itself, other countries like the United States skip the pageantry itself. Countries like these will use applicant photos and their video interviews to select Miss World candidates.

Botswana made its debut at Miss World in 1972. Traditionally, the winner of Miss Botswana represents the country at Miss World. Now let’s take a look at former Queens who had amazing placements at the international beauty pageants. In 1997, Mpule Kwelagobe made history by becoming Miss Universe in 1999, a very first prodigious achievement for the country, and not only that, for the whole continent. We still remember that day even today, even though some of us were still toddlers.

Thanks to technology and media, we still can check out the video. In 2003, Boingotlo Motlalakgosi made Top 21 of the Miss World Talent; in 2004 Judy Peacock made Miss World Talent Top 20 and Miss World Top Model Top 20 respectively. Further, in 2005, Miss Botswana Lorato Tebogo made Miss World Sports Top 24, while in 2010, Emma Wareus was Miss World 1st Runner-up, subsequently became Miss World Africa. In 2017, Nicole Gaelebale made it to Top 40 and with our reigning diamond, it remains unknown. Good luck to her…

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WeekendLife

Radio titans gloss RB2

11th April 2024

 

In a thrilling turn of events, former YFM on-air presenter Petula Khulman, now known as Petula El’Kindiy, is set to co-host the morning show with the station’s current star, Thabo Bolokwe, fondly referred to as T.H.A.B.O. Petula’s radio journey began at Yarona FM and spanned over a year and a half, during which she honed her skills and developed a loyal fan base.

Petula, a Media Studies graduate from Rhodes University, holds a wealth of experience in the industry. Her career took her across borders, from Yarona FM to Gabz FM, and even to a community radio station, Bay FM. She later returned to YFM, where she hosted a show called The Plaground.

Her latest venture, “The Morning Essentials,” kicked off on July 1, 2020. The show, which airs from 3am to 5am on weekdays and 6am to 10am on Saturdays, quickly gained popularity among listeners. Petula attributes her success to her passion for media, music, and dance, as well as her appreciation for her colleagues at YFM.

However, her journey wasn’t without its challenges. In 2023, her work permit was denied by South African authorities, leading to a temporary pause in her radio career. Despite the setback, Petula remains undeterred and is ready to bring her bubbly personality and captivating voice back to the airwaves of RB2.

 

Adding to the excitement, Khumo ‘Missgeekays’ Kgwaadira is also making a comeback. The popular media personality and businesswoman, who was last heard on RB2 in October 2022, will be back on air from Monday. Missgeekays, who owns a restaurant called Kana Kgang, has been keeping herself busy with various ventures, including a stint as a freelance presenter.

Her return to RB2 is eagerly anticipated, and her fans are thrilled to hear that she will be back in her familiar mid-morning slot. The exact details of her show are still under wraps, but one thing is for sure – with the new lineup, RB2 is poised to make a big splash in the radio landscape.

“With the new lineup, RB2 will be the biggest thing ever. We expect fireworks and amusement from the morning through mid-morning and the afternoons. All the faces that are returning to the airwaves will contribute to the radio station’s growth and a snowballing of listenership,” a source close to the station revealed.

So, get ready for a thrilling ride as RB2 unveils its new look and lineup this coming Monday. With Petula El’Kindiy and Khumo ‘Missgeekays’ Kgwaadira leading the charge, there’s no doubt that RB2 is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever!

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WeekendLife

Strawberry Ritual: An unconventional key to virtual interview success

11th April 2024

In the modern era of swift communication, where digital platforms have become the cornerstone of professional interactions, mastering the nuances of a Zoom interview is a vital skill for job applicants. The pivot towards remote work has rendered platforms like Zoom indispensable for establishing connections with prospective employers. So, imagine if we told you that a humble fruit could be the secret ingredient to enhancing your self-assurance and excelling in that virtual interview? Indeed, the fruit in question is the strawberry!

“A whopping 59.1% of the workforce prefers remote work over a conventional office setting,” asserts Forbes, a staggering fact that underscores the global trend of working from home. In the UK, Zoom witnessed a dramatic surge in its daily active users (DAU), peaking at approximately 1.7 million around the end of November 2020. This significant upswing in DAU coincided with the onset of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, as more individuals began participating in virtual meetings for both work and social engagements with their families and friends.

But how does a strawberry fit into this narrative? What might seem like a punchline to a whimsical joke could revolutionize your approach to virtual job interviews. CEO Chantry Somtun of JustBanter shares this ingenious trick that could make a world of difference.

According to CEO Chantry Somtun of JustBanter, consuming a strawberry before your Zoom call could have a profound impact on your performance. The National Institute of Health has discovered that strawberries contain folate, a compound that aids in calming nerves and reducing anxiety by stimulating the production of serotonin, a hormone crucial for maintaining a positive mood and mental well-being. Moreover, strawberries are teeming with anthocyanins, antioxidants that enhance brain and emotional health, making them an excellent choice for those seeking to alleviate stress and anxiety before significant virtual meetings.

So, how can you incorporate this simple yet potent trick into your pre-Zoom routine? It’s as straightforward as savoring a few fresh strawberries 10-20 minutes before your call. If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen ones or even a refreshing strawberry smoothie can serve as excellent alternatives. For the best results, consume the strawberries on an empty stomach to ensure faster absorption of folate and maximize their mood-enhancing benefits.

Beyond just soothing your nerves before a critical interview, strawberries offer a myriad of health benefits, such as being rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall well-being. By integrating strawberries into your pre-Zoom ritual, you can not only boost your confidence but also support your body’s health in the process.

In a competitive job market where first impressions matter, adopting this unconventional yet effective strategy could be the game-changer you need to distinguish yourself and leave a lasting impression on potential employers. Therefore, the next time you have a Zoom interview scheduled, reach for some strawberries and experience the positive difference they can make in enhancing your confidence and performance.

In a world where virtual connections have become the new norm, utilizing simple yet powerful techniques like the strawberry trick can set you apart and help you navigate the challenges of virtual job interviews with ease. By capitalizing on the natural benefits of this humble fruit, you can elevate your Zoom confidence to unprecedented heights and pave the way for success in your job search. So, why not seize the day? Grab some strawberries, take a bite, and witness your Zoom interview game soar to new heights!

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WeekendLife

Mrs Botswana’s ‘MO’ to gender parity

18th March 2024
Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong

Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong, an illustrious beacon brightening the corners of Botswana, wields her vision for gender equity and empowerment like a torch, illuminating paths for her community. Standing at the helm of the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation, and donning multiple hats as an international personal wellness coach, a savvy business magnate, and the esteemed Mrs. Botswana 2023/24, her mission is to cast rays of change into the lives she touches.

Her strategy for bridging the gender divide is both comprehensive and visionary. Mokgathong, understanding the vitality of lifting women and girls, equally champions the cause of young boys and men. She advocates for a culture of mutual admiration and understanding across gender lines, fostering a society unbound by the shackles of conventional gender roles—a society where balance and harmony reign supreme.

 

In her magnum opus, a collaborative venture with entities like NAPHA, Men and Boys for Gender Justice, the Botswana Police Service, and Girls for Girls Botswana, lies a quest for familial empowerment. Her goal is to fortify the foundation of families, supporting parents and guardians, sons and daughters alike, equipping them with the capabilities to forge strong intrapersonal and professional bonds.

 

“My project is family oriented, we want to focus on the family as a whole, we want to help both parents or guardians, men and women and the children of households both boy and girl. I am passionate in doing so because lately women and the girl child have been given a pedestal, they have been given a lot of help and a lot of recognition while men are considered as perpetrators and young boys are neglected, therefore we want to groom both the girl and boy child so that they grow up to be able to interact with each other and when they get to relationships, be it personal or work wise,” she said.

 

Mokgathong’s reach extends further than mere intervention; she invests in the empowerment of individuals through education, skill development, and the allocation of resources crucial for autonomy and enduring triumphs. By nurturing innate capabilities, igniting the flames of innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship, she sets the stage for marginalized communities to emerge from the shadows of dependency, crafting their own realms of prosperity.

 

“As we educate a girl child to be strong and independent, we also enable a young man or boy to be able to accept that strong independent woman, ensuring that the equation is balanced. I also want to help stop gender-based violence while protecting our children. When I began my initiative, it was based on GBV and child protection, but it developed into campaigning for the less fortunate and vulnerable,” she stresses.

 

Her journey, fraught with hurdles, including early disappointments in her pursuit of the Mrs. Botswana title, stands testament to her resilience and indomitable spirit. Gratitude fills her heart for mentors, sponsors, kin, and comrades whose support has sculpted her into the powerhouse she is today.

 

She says: “People want to be involved with you when you are a top finalist or the reigning queen. When I first started, I was only a person, and it was difficult and time-consuming to generate cash, solicit donations, and obtain obligation, particularly in rural areas. But right now, as the reigning queen it is a bit easier to reach out to collaborators and sponsors and I pray to God that as I am continuing with my project after crowning the new queen it will continue to be so and growth and more people will be willing to invest and help out.”

 

Juggling her myriad roles demands the prowess of a maestro, yet Mokgathong thrives by weaving her family into her philanthropic endeavors and mastering the art of time management. She empowers young aspirants to self-reflect, establish objectives, harness mentorship and sponsorship, and gear up for the trials that lie ahead.

 

As Mrs. Botswana, her ambition soars beyond personal accolades; it’s tethered to the upliftment of her nation through the empowerment of women, the nurturing of men’s talents, and the preparation of the youth for a flourishing future. She envisages expanding the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation’s influence, delving deeper into rural engagements to sow seeds of empowerment and hope for generations yet to come.

 

“For charity work to be more effective, I believe we need to empower other than just giving. We need to empower the less privileged and the vulnerable, with the right skills and knowledge so that they can sustain themselves in the long run. We need to help those who are talented and innovative. I am proud to say my work is doing wonders, the kids that we are mentoring are able to find direction in life, they now know what they want to be as they grow up and they are able to identify subjects they want to study and career they want to pursue. Families that we have been in contact with, families that are from different background are able to identify their skills and they are able to grow and turn them into businesses.”

 

In essence, Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong stands as a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration in Botswana. Her unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality, community upliftment, and personal development lights the way for others. Through her relentless endeavors and steadfast dedication, she renders a profound impact on her community and beyond, etching a durable mark of empowerment and optimism.

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