WOMAN: 8th Wonder of the World
WeekendLife
March 8 has been slated to remember, celebrate as well as honour women globally who have left a mark and have an extensive repertoire of work that cannot go unnoticed. Women have been the backbone, strength and pillar for many homes.
They have nurtured and kept watch of their households even in turbulent times when men absconded from their responsibilities, leaving the woman to fend for herself and her child. This day is for the woman who fought stigma of any kind pushed on her by society, to those who have shattered glass ceilings to become revolutionaries, to those who dare to dream in a world that say it’s a man’s world.
International Women’s Day was sanctioned a global holiday by United Nations. The day celebrates women’s excellence and their contribution to societal building as well as sensitizing about the fight for gender parity. Women’s day also give support to organizations that help women globally.African women have over the years risen to the occasion and have played a notable role in being independent and owning up to their game as well as gathering their confidence and chasing after their dreams. One of them being Zozibini Tunzi, who set tongues wagging after being crowned Miss Universe 2019.
The beauty Queen did not only change the narrative that women can take up space and cement themselves too, but she also made a stern remark that black is beautiful. She awed the entire universe when she said;“The most important thing we should teach young girls is leadership. It's something that has been lacking in young girls and women for a long time, not because we don't want to but because of what society has labelled women to be. I think we are the most powerful beings in the world and that we should be given every opportunity. That is what we should be teaching these young girls, to take up space. Nothing is more important than taking up space in the society and cementing yourself.’’
“I grew up in a world where women who look like me, with my kind of skin and my kind of hair were never considered to be beautiful. And I think that it is time that stops today. I want children to look at me and see my face, and I want them to see their faces reflected in mine,” she added.
Tunzi is an epitome of black women excellence, she has shunned the stereotypes shaped against black women and has become a protagonist in redefining what beauty is.
President and founder of Pan African Game Changers (PAGC) who is also an Attorney and Founding Partner of Precious & Partners Legal Practise, Precious Gondwe, has set the globe ablaze with her initiative, which saw more than 70 women globally drawn to her and drinking from her cup.PAGC is a global platform for women interaction and haven for women who build one another. She seeks to end the ‘girl hate’ that exist within women. She has created a safe dock for healing, and strength. It is also a networking platform and a place of stimulation.
The organisation is currently planted in Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, United Kingdom/Ireland, China, Morocco, and recently launched the Eswatini chapter which will soon be followed by Zambia and the United States of America.“It’s a unique, first of its kind movement for black, inspired women who want to make Africa a great place again! God said, grab the woman and the entire continent will heal again,” Gondwe said.PAGC remains a refined women hub that seeks to impart each other as well as share the spirit of excellence, defining dreams, knowing yourself, embracing challenges and growth.
They share diverse topics that help grow one another, from image branding, to financial literacy, spiritual growth and having a vision as women. PAGC believes women are leaders as well and cannot be limited to kitchen walls hence their radical approach in changing a woman’s mind-set globally.The current Miss Botswana First Princess Uua Murangi, is also a force to be reckoned with. She is one beau that takes pride in her ebony skin and her dark bushy natural African hair, which defines us as African women.
When she first joined Miss Botswana, people rallied behind her because she chose to be true to herself and her roots and they felt she represented every black woman.Today Murangi is a household name, and in as much she did not win the pageant, she remained the true queen and won a place in many people’s hearts. The University of Botswana Law graduate has since diverted her energy into grooming upcoming beauty queens through her program called Pageant Classes.
“It really is rewarding to watch someone transform into a whole other version of themselves, a version which is all rounded, confident and with a clear understanding of their true self.” she said.Another Motswana who is making strides is Gogontlejang Phaladi, who’s notable doings have been ongoing whilst she was just a kid, and her charitable organisation have been running for many years now and have assisted unprivileged individuals under the Gogontlejang Phaladi Pillar of Hope Project.
Through this organisation, she aims to be a world class charitable organisation of choice for the advocacy and activism of human rights and doing philanthropic activities towards nation building and development.International Women’s Day is to celebrate every woman and their achievements, whether they are small or big, whatever trauma they overcame to become the Queen they are now and to encourage them to further break stereotypes and walls and to defy society’s norms of what a woman is or should be.
Whether you’re making power moves in public or private, this is for you, the woman in you.
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BOTSWANA TO HOST MISS WORLD 2026
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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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.
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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.