Keeping up with Gabs intricate life after Mister Gaborone supremacy…
Beauty Queens and Kings come and go. Some are smart enough to have their sovereignty remain relevant for quite a stretch, while some just fade immediately after their reign.
It is true that different doors would open for a beauty king or queen and they have more opportunities to explore. But beyond that there is absolutely nothing special that people would have to expect from them.
For them, it is a huge competition and a chance to make a mark in the ambitious world. Although I respect their intelligence and beauty, there is nothing they would do for the public, even some Miss Botswana queens can be cited as examples.
In this country, as winners of the beauty pageants, they get a chance to become celebrities, but they forget about others. I don’t know why! They might be respecting an old trend, so personally, I think participating in a competition is juts for gaining popularity rather than doing some important work for society and for the nation. I’m not saying Mr Gaborone 2017 Cavin Molatedi is one example, no! If there is anything to learn and expect, we can do so from him, I mean, he is not just a former king of the city, but an influential personality who is doing a lot in the television industry.
Cavin Molatedi is a model, both runway and commercial model, a musician, motivational speaker and an influencer. He was crowned Mr Gaborone 2017, and few months later participated at Mr Africa International where he garnered himself the second-runner up title, as well as Beach Body of Africa Award. This young man has been keen to put in the work for expected results, I mean; you see how ambitious he is?
He sees adventure as one particular aspect of life that gives each and every deserving young person the opportunity to grow and discover new qualities and abilities within themselves. Molatedi is a National Director at Africa Pageantry Networks, intended to re-branding arts and culture in Botswana. ‘’We build unity among Africans in the pageantry industry by partnering and sponsoring pageants across the African continent and building of teen ambassadors serving their communities through self-initiated platforms’’, he told Weekend Life in Gaborone this week.
For him, life after Mr Gaborone reign has been incredible. As a model and also a fashion enthusiast, he has been involved in the development of both industries. ‘’My desire is to grow and groom myself into a fully fleshed public figure, with all my diligence I intend to use my knowledge and expertise in the industry to positively influence young upcoming models. I have been sharing and equipping them with the very same tools I used to get where I am today using platforms as social media.’’
The fashion and modelling industry, he said, can be developed through cooperation and joint efforts with fellow models and directors. ‘’I want to leave my mark, I am determined to working with other creative on developing art industry consistently and persistently and I want to see my name being recognized as a leading contributor to the modelling industry in the country. I have been busy with pushing this mandate, because initially, that was my expectation after winning the pageant.’’
In a pageant held at The Dikgosi Monument in April 2017, Molatedi surpassed 10 of his opponents when he was crowned King of Mister Gaborone. At the age of 20 by the time, he proved that there can only be on eking of a castle after winning over the judges. He was a favourite with the women due to his sexy physique, poses and charisma he depicted on stage. In his brilliant answer, he said he would promote the country’s heritage. ‘’During my reign as Mister Gaborone, I would empower Batswana men through our culture. I would use this opportunity to come up with tactical ways to ensure that our culture does not vanish into thin air. It does not have to die with us. I would promote my country, as we have many tourists’ sites and monuments just like the one we are hosting the pageant in.’’
Indeed, Molatedi remained true to his words. He auditioned for various presenting gigs both on local radio stations and television, and was fortunate to host one show on Maru TV. ‘’I persisted and just like my mother told me, I chased my dream and kept believing. I knew that the sky will be my beginning. I received my package and absorbed as a freelance presenter for Maru TV. In my show, we would travel, explore and learn more about the country. In the whole process, I will be learning different cultures and heritage sites, something I dreamt about while I was still Mr Gaborone.’’In his concerted efforts to promote small entrepreneurs, Molatedi has been doing well in being an influencer on social media.
‘’Social media platforms made me be the man I am today. I started there because I saw an opportunity. Every time I have a job with entrepreneurs, small or big, I make sure I share with my audience and actually encourage them to swing by and check them out. It has been a great thing to do, because at the end of the day, there is a smile on their faces. That is basically what I strive to see.’’Besides modelling and TV, he has devoted his time to creating music. ‘’I live my life with an open mind. I challenge myself every day and aim to try something new each day.
As creative as I am, I believe I can also be an artists. The quality of art is the rawness and calmness of it. Unique things are often perceived weird at the beginning, simply because you are a new dimension that people are not used to. That is exactly how people see me right now. They have opinions about me venturing in music, which is fine as I now they will get used to it with time.’’Mister Gaborone 2017 Molatedi has also been involved in the promotion of health across his social media pages. I must say, he is a force to reckon with.
If only folks can follow suit and utilize social media, I swear, this country can be a better place. But what do they do instead…shooting fully naked buddies and uploading videos on social media. Wow! This is just…ridiculous!
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.