Of Miss Botswana controversies
The crowning on Miss Botswana has in recent years, attracted much controversy. Perhaps it is not only here that the crowning of a beauty queen is almost always shrouded in controversy. It is not surprising that Thata Kenosi’s recent crowning as the fairest of all in the land on the 29th of July has attracted social media backlash. Bonnie Kamona and Phatsimo Baoagi, in second and third place respectively succeeded Kenosi.
Known traditionally for focusing on judging and ranking the physical attributes of contestants, beauty contests like Miss Botswana under the rule of Miss World have since evolved to incorporating personality traits, intelligence, talent and answers to judges’ questions as judged criteria.
With every beauty pageant around the world there is a set of rules that are to be followed. These include age and height restrictions as well as other well known rules. But the question remains, since Botswana follows after Miss World, do we use the same rules as Miss World? Founded in 1951 by Eric Morley, the Miss World organization is the oldest surviving major international pageant.
The controversy surrounding our national pageant has not only been about the chosen queen but have also bordered on the organisers as well as sponsors. Miss Botswana organisers have changed numerous times recently, more than it should have- no questions there. However, the public has been unforgiving when it came to the crowned winner, this year, it might have been taken a notch higher-cyber bullying the winner for basically things which are mostly out of her control-like the fact that she did not crown herself, or that she grew up outside of Botswana, and as a result missed out on learning Setswana.
The Queen’s tattoos
Kenosi’s Facebook pictures, as seen by many suggest that the 19 year old has two tiny tattoos, one in between her shoulders and the other in her abdomen. They don’t seem to be photo-shopped, nor do the images seem enhanced or tampered with in any way.
Meanwhile in a radio interview she did Thursday morning, the young lass reportedly told the show’s presenter she could not confirm nor deny having any tattoo. While basically this could be attributed to bad PR on the part of whoever is doing her PR, it might have been advisable for her (or that team) not to give in to public pressure as the competition rules stipulated clearly that the tattoos “should not be visible”.
At Miss World level, the entry criteria also state that visible tattoos are inadmissible. This in essence means that when on stage and when wearing a swimsuit the judges should not be able to see the tattoos. Tattoos according to different beauty pageant experts aren’t a problem, unless one has a huge tattoo that maybe covers half your body, whole arm or a big part of your body. Former Miss Botswana, Tapiwa Preston who represented the country at Miss World posted on her Facebook wall, with regards to the tattoo brouhaha: “now there is some information that the internet would not give you, a lot of contestants from different countries have tattoos.” She has rallied behind Kenosi from the onset; not shying away from making known her support of the 19 year old university of Botswana student.
In the same interview the newly crowned admitted that her mother once visited her during the boot camp even though it is against the rules. Attempts to reach Lorraine Ditsebe who started the complaints were made but she refused to talk to Weekend Life.
Lawrence Ookeditse’s being part of the judging panel
A lot more noise has been made about the judges’ composition. A fact that we cannot however ignore or run from is that a sponsor can be involved in the judging process. How then can sponsors be assured their money is being used right? Julia Morley sits on the judging panel of Miss World each year, and she is the organisation’s chairperson. Ookeditse who works for the Miss Botswana sponsor, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, is also not a newbie in beauty pageants, he was in the judging panel of the Miss Universe 2013.
Judging criterion
The current judging format used by Miss World pageant , the scoreboard, was first used in the 2011 edition and was generally accepted by people around the world. This format was basically adopted because of its transparency. Five challenge events take place in the run up to the final; Beauty with a Purpose, Multimedia, Sports, Talent, and Top Model, according to the Miss World website.
Likewise, Miss Botswana also used a score sheet system for judging the contestants. Contrary to what many may believe, judging was not done only on the crowning night, as prior to that, the contestants had challenges; Sport and fitness, Top Model, Beauty with a purpose project, as well as SMS voting. In the categories, all girls were marked out of 10, according to Weekend Life investigations. The challenges accounted to 50% of the whole mark and the points were carried over to the pageant night which also constitutes to 50%.
At the grand finale there were five categories they were judged on, Swim Wear, Evening Gown, Overall Appearance, Confidence and Poise and Questions. This publication learnt that, on the scoring for the night, Kenosi led on all categories, save for Questions where she scored badly, and Appearance, which she is said to have been in the Top 2.
In an interview with Weekend Life, Miss Universe 2013 finalist Gontlafetse Maphosa said “Batswana should also know that pre-judging holds the same importance as the final night. It is the organisers and committees who meet the girls on a daily basis and can tell who really performs very well. This helps the pageant night judges to have the right pick and would make the pageant night result credible.”
Miss Botswana organisers should perhaps consider displaying the results on a larger platform for the public to see.
When asked what they were looking for in a queen one of the Judges, Boitswarelo Lebang said “we were looking for a beautiful, intelligent, somebody who can be an ambassador of the country,” and according to the judges, Kenosi is it all. The lady is said to be smart, the rest we could judge for ourselves, she has the right height, figure and is naturally beautiful.
The judges must have had the reputation of Miss Botswana as Botswana’s foremost beauty pageant at heart, as well as that of Botswana in the final decision to crown Kenosi as the ultimate winner. Surely the legacy left by Emma Wareus and Mpule Kwelagobe could not be left to rot in such simple manner, especially in our golden jubilee celebration. Why else would they send an incompetent contender to represent us in Washington?
WeekendLife
Radio titans gloss RB2
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!
WeekendLife
Strawberry Ritual: An unconventional key to virtual interview success
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!
WeekendLife
Mrs Botswana’s ‘MO’ to gender parity
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.â€
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.â€
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.