Meet Miss Botswana Top 30
Miss Botswana 2015 Top 30 finalists were announced this week. The list was drawn from the creative hard work of the organisers after they arranged auditions in the two cities, Gaborone and Francistown to select beautiful, brainy Batswana ladies.
After the first leg of the auditions was successfully held in Francistown, the second leg of Miss Botswana 2015 auditions was held in Gaborone on August 1st and 2nd at the Grand Palm Hotel. Those who made it to the Top 30 are a true reflection of the diversity that is Botswana, and are from the different corners of the country.
Young women with a passion for adventure, a strong sense of philanthropy that fully embraces the Miss World’s “Beauty with a Purpose”; ethos and a strong will to wear the Miss Botswana 2015 crown attended the auditions.
Miss Botswana 2015 is well on its way, successful round of auditions were hosted, and the pageant recorded one of the highest turnouts in the history of Miss Botswana pageant auditions. Pageant hopefuls came in their numbers from all over Botswana to try their luck to be drafted into the biggest pageant in the land.
There are many innovations this year, including the Docu-Series, the Miss Botswana Fashion Show and other initiatives.
If the Botswana Television (BTV) aired Miss Botswana 2015 Journey Docu-Series is to go by, then we are in for a treat. Aired on BTV every Sunday at 18:30, the 11 Episodes Docu-series which is produced by Limkokwing University Centre for Content Creation (CCC) kicked off with footage from the Miss Botswana 2015 Official Launch which also unveiled the initial sponsors.
Hosted by the talented radio and television personality; Loungo Andre Pitse, the Docu – series gives the viewer a never before experience of seeing the ins and outs of the Miss Botswana 2015 journey.
The second episode which aired on August 9th 2015 showcased the judges and the contestant’s audition experiences. The judges shared with the nation what they were looking for, in the ideal Miss Botswana 2015 contestant and we got a glimpse of what this year’s contestants are bringing to the competition.
“We are looking for a beauty that is an all-rounder with a strong work ethic and commitment to develop themselves,” said one of the judges; Brand Strategist Boitshwarelo Lebang.
The riveting footage from the Francistown and Gaborone auditions let the public re – live the judges and the contestants experiences and will in the coming weeks continue to show the various aspects of putting together the biggest pageant in the land.
At the end of the auditions, 30 contestants were selected and put through a vigorous vetting process to ensure they met all the requirements to enter Miss Botswana 2015 and later on Miss World.
This saw the girls tested both mentally and physically under the watchful eye of a fitness coach. The contestants also enjoyed being dolled up for their first one on one camera interviews that would introduce them to the nation.
As promised, the public will have the opportunity to cast their votes for their favorite contestants, securing them a place in the top 20. The public will also have the opportunity to vote for top 12 which will be selected from the top 20 contestants. Announcements of those proceeding in the competition will be made during the Miss Botswana Fashion Show billed for August 29th at Molapo Piazza.
Interested designers have been engaged to dress the contestants for both the fashion show and the Miss Botswana finale to be held on September 29th Gaborone International Convention Centre, Grand Palm. This is another first for Miss Botswana as contestants do not have to pay for their clothing.
To vote for your favorite contestant, SMS her number to 17272 (e.g 035 for Lucy Pearl to 17272). SMS costs P2.00 across all networks. To view the contestants profiles and to choose who to vote for visit the following Official Miss Botswana Digital platforms;
FACEBOOK :Miss Botswana 2015
INSTAGRAM :MissBotswana2015
TWITTER :Miss_Botswana
WeekendLife
DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs

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.
WeekendLife
Chef Gustos walk of shame

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.
WeekendLife
Women in Science: Breaking Glass Ceilings

Women scientists have made significant contributions to the field of science, yet they continue to face numerous challenges and barriers. Despite their remarkable achievements, women represent only a fraction of researchers globally, and their work often goes unrecognized. The need for scientific role models to inspire the younger generation is urgent. However, organizations like the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO are working tirelessly to empower women scientists and promote gender equality in the scientific community.
The Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have collaborated for over two years to support and recognize women scientists who have achieved scientific excellence. These organizations have awarded more than 100 laureates, with five of them going on to win Nobel Prizes. These women researchers, who have worked in various scientific fields across different continents, are not only changing the world through their discoveries but also serving as role models for aspiring women scientists.
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programs annually support over 250 talented young women researchers. Through regional and national programs, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO provide crucial support to these researchers during their thesis or post-doctoral studies. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to achieve true gender equality in science. However, both organizations remain determined to make this vision a reality.
Recently, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO hosted thirty winners of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science 14th Rising Talents Sub-Saharan Africa awards in Kasane. These awards recognize African women scientists for their outstanding research. During a press conference, Fondation L’Oréal CEO Alexandra Palt emphasized the importance of empowering women scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa, a continent that suffers greatly from climate disruption. Palt highlighted the challenges these women face, including overcoming prejudice, sexism, and harassment, to become accomplished scientists.
The finalists of the awards are scientists, PhD students, and post-doctoral researchers who are advancing various disciplines such as biology, agronomy, physics, mathematics, genetics, and engineering. Their goal is to improve the daily lives of Africa’s people, whether through advancements in health or the environment. These women, such as Dairou Hadidjatou, a pioneer in cardiovascular disease treatment in Cameroon, Esther Uwimaana, conducting research on potential tuberculosis vaccines, and Mwende Mbilo, innovating clean energy solutions in Kenya, are driven by their desire to advance science and society.
The need for scientific role models to inspire the younger generation is crucial. Palt emphasized that Africa currently represents only 2.5% of scientists globally, making it challenging for young girls in Africa to pursue scientific careers when women researchers in their countries are often invisible in the media, scientific publications, and international forums. To address this, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have increased the number of young talents awarded from 20 to 30. These researchers also receive leadership training to enhance their communication and negotiation skills, as well as their ability to address harassment and speak publicly or with the media.
By highlighting the achievements of these women scientists, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO aim to break the glass ceiling and provide them with the recognition they deserve. It is essential to take urgent action on multiple levels to enable these talented women to emerge onto the public stage and be acknowledged for their excellent work. Only then can we truly achieve gender equality in the scientific community.
In conclusion, women scientists have made significant contributions to science, yet they continue to face numerous challenges and barriers. Organizations like the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO are working tirelessly to empower women scientists and promote gender equality in the scientific community. By recognizing and supporting these women, we can inspire the younger generation and create a world where women in science are celebrated and their work is valued.