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Local celebrities to lead the Lady Khama 2017 RUN 21

This year marks the 5th edition of the Lady Khama Half Marathon (RUN 21), which will for the first time, include a sporting expo where various Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) registered sporting codes will exhibit and demonstrate their  sporting codes alongside the Half Marathon activities.


This event is a large part of the Trust’s annual fundraising activities, with all proceeds going towards the support of vulnerable women and children across Botswana. The Lady Khama Charitable Trust’s purpose is to help improve the lives of vulnerable women and children in Botswana. The Trust aims to achieve this through charitable and educational activities in Botswana through raising and investing funds to support this mission. The Lady Khama Charitable Trust was established in 2002 in Lady Ruth Khama’s honour with the objective of continuing the charitable work that Lady Khama dedicated much of her life to.


The Trust supports and initiates charitable undertakings throughout the country, particularly targeting gender- based organisations and those which assist disadvantaged children. His Excellency the President of Botswana, Ian Khama is the founding Chairman of the Trust and has since assumed the role of Patron.


Speaking to the media this week, the Trust’s Secretary, Marcus Ter Haar said they support a core group of organisations annually that have been selected because of their historic connection with Lady Ruth Khama and their continued good work in their respective areas of focus, including the Botswana Red Cross Society, Childline Botswana and SOS Children’s Villages.


He said the beneficiaries apply for funds using the Trust’s grant application system, which they use while assessing requests. The grant application system is designed to help target the funds towards organisations that are result- orientated, value transparent with good governance, and have financial accountability and stability. Ter Haar said the Marathon which is in its 5th year is one of their fastest growing fundraising in terms of runner and spectator participation. “After our call for partners in 2016, we are pleased to announce our new lead partner, O3 Beverages who join the RUN 21 family as the lead partner for 2017- 2019.


According to Ter Haar, a lead partner makes financial provisions for operational costs, easing the burden of sourcing funds to host a quality event such as the RUN 21 Trail run. This enables the organisation to target registration sales towards specific projects that are either new or existing thus completing the projects sooner. He also pointed out that since 2013, they have experienced a 75% attendance increase annually, in 2016 they had a total of 1573 runners and raised over P 100, 000. 00. This year they hope to have over 2000 registered runners and will raise over P 200, 000. 00.


He also revealed at the press briefing that they have invited the first Motswana to ride and complete the Dakar Rally, Vincent Crossby to lead the 10 km runners on his bike. Another local celebrity, former 400 metres World Champion Amantle Montsho will also participate in the marathon.


It is important to note that the RUN 21 Trail Run is unlike any other running race in Botswana, Ter Haar highlighted, adding that they tried to move away from the norm and bring a different and exciting experience to their supporters. RUN 21 is a Trail Run, meaning running on road and off road, with the route split into three sections i.e. 5 km fun run/ walk, 10 km and the 21 km run. All three routes will run along various main roads and green- ways across Gaborone. The Start/ Finish line, is at the National Stadium and the route has been modified accordingly.


The RUN 21 Trail Run will be held on Sunday 9th March from 0530 am and 0930 am and some roads will be used by runners/ walkers. In 2016 the Trust launched the Lady Khama WELLNESS ARENA, which provides a platform where sport enthusiasts have access to participate and explore alternative sporting activities regardless of their health or stamina under one roof, for free.

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WeekendLife

BOTSWANA TO HOST MISS WORLD 2026

6th December 2023

Even though Botswana has over the years been performing extremely poorly at the Miss World competition, the country has confirmed that it will be hosting the beauty festival in 2026. Initially, the country was to host Miss World next year, something it failed to confirm before deadline. Director at Miss Botswana, Benjamin Raletsatsi, says Botswana will be ready then to host all participants. Miss Botswana Top 25 finalists left the boot camp yesterday. Quite shocking though, Miss Botswana team is still failing basics as responding to media inquiries on time yet it is dangerously hoping to host an event of high status

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WeekendLife

DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs

22nd November 2023

DJ Sway, the daring and ambitious on-air presenter of Yarona FM, played a crucial role in saving the radio station’s music awards, known as the YAMAs. The event was initially dry and disorganized, but DJ Sway, who co-hosted with Pearl Thusi, injected life into the show. However, things took a turn for the worse when Pearl Thusi abruptly left the stage, leaving DJ Sway to carry on alone. Despite the unexpected setback, DJ Sway rose to the occasion and captivated the audience, effectively putting an end to the drama caused by Pearl Thusi.

In an exclusive interview after the YAMAs, DJ Sway revealed the behind-the-scenes chaos that unfolded during the event. He acknowledged the script editors, Phalana and Hope, who worked tirelessly to reedit the script and adapt it to a one-host format. Despite the last-minute changes, DJ Sway remained composed and focused, thanks to the support of his colleagues, such as Owen Rampha, Katlego Rakola, Tshepang Motsisi (DJ Easy), and LB.

When asked about his initial reaction to the unexpected turn of events, DJ Sway admitted to feeling saddened by how things ended. However, he credited Pearl Thusi for giving him a much-needed confidence boost during his moment of doubt. She reminded him that he was destined for greatness and that he didn’t need big stars to succeed. With her words of encouragement, DJ Sway regained his composure and approached the rest of the show with the same professionalism and charisma he displays on the radio.

To overcome the challenges he faced, DJ Sway relied on his radio skills and calm personality. He engaged with the audience as if he were speaking to a single person, pointing out individuals in the crowd to create a more intimate connection. He also expressed gratitude for his backstage team, who provided support and ensured the smooth running of the show.

DJ Sway expressed satisfaction in being seen as the saving grace of the YAMAs. He believed that he fulfilled his role as a host and brought joy to the Yarona FM board, his family, and his fans. Despite his success, DJ Sway’s journey has not been without hardships. He has experienced the loss of his mother and sister, which has left a lasting impact on him. While he continues to grieve, he seeks solace in therapy sessions and relies on his father for emotional support.

DJ Sway’s dedication to his craft and ability to overcome adversity make him a remarkable figure in the radio industry. His vibrant personality and deep knowledge of music have made him a perfect fit for Yarona FM. Despite the challenges he has faced, DJ Sway remains determined to make a positive impact and bring joy to his listeners. With his talent and resilience, there is no doubt that DJ Sway will continue to thrive in his career and leave a lasting legacy in the world of radio.

 

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WeekendLife

Chef Gustos walk of shame

22nd November 2023

Chef Gustos, the renowned hitmaker, recently experienced what can only be described as a walk of shame at the 8th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs). Despite being nominated a whopping seven times, he failed to secure a single win. Ouch!

The night was filled with surprises, drama, and controversy, but the biggest winner of the evening was Han C, who walked away with three awards, including Best Pop and Best Male Single for his hit song, “Sebinki.” Han C graciously announced that he would be donating P10,000 from his winnings to his fellow nominees, promoting a spirit of togetherness among artists. What a noble gesture!

Meanwhile, Chef Gustos found himself on the losing end of several categories, including People’s Choice Artist of the Year, which he had won in the past. He seemed unfazed by the loss, stating, “People know that ‘Away’ was big, but they won’t stop me.” It’s clear that Chef Gustos is determined to continue making music, regardless of the awards he receives.

However, he did express his frustration with the outcome, suggesting that the awards may be corrupt. He declined to comment further, citing the need to protect his brand and maintain good relationships with corporate clients. It’s understandable that he wants to avoid any potential damage to his future prospects.

In fact, Chef Gustos went so far as to request that Yarona FM not nominate him for future YAMAs. It seems he wants to distance himself from the disappointment and focus on his music without the pressure of awards. Perhaps this decision will allow him to create freely and without the burden of expectations.

While Chef Gustos may have experienced a walk of shame at the YAMAs, it’s important to remember that awards do not define an artist’s talent or success. His fans still appreciate his music, and he continues to have gigs with corporate clients. So, despite the disappointment, Chef Gustos remains optimistic about his future in the industry.

In the end, the YAMAs may have been a letdown for Chef Gustos, but he’s determined to keep moving forward. He won’t let a lack of awards dampen his spirits or hinder his creativity. And who knows, maybe next time he’ll come back stronger and prove that he’s deserving of recognition. After all, the true measure of an artist’s success lies in the hearts of their fans, not in shiny trophies.

 

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