COVID-19 dimmed my reign – Miss Botswana
WeekendLife
Coronavirus that has been sweeping plans and events across the entire world really ruined the once thought promising 2020. The novel virus has affected many plans for many people, and many had goals that had to be postponed saving the lives of several people.
Things have taken a pause too here in Botswana, and for one of the most recognized pageants in the country Miss Botswana, it has been a terrifying experience. Not only did the pandemic affect the Miss Botswana organization, the queen herself Oweditse Phirinyane felt the heat.
With the advent of the pandemic, re-evaluation of priorities swept across the government, parastatals and private sector as the country went into prevention and survival mode and as such the plans that had been in place have since taken a seat back, Phirinyane told Weekend Life in an exclusive interview this week.
Phirinyane stressed that the COVID-19 did not take only an emotional toll but physiological and financial strain as well. All of these were not in a positive way. I had to take a step back and create a life that I dont have to routinely escape from bearing in mind that I am the queen, I am Miss Botswana. I always have to take care of self before anything else and by self I mean my inner being, soul, as well as my mental state. No good can come from me if I am not fine, she said.
When crowned Miss Botswana 2019/2020 at the ailing mining township of Selibe Phikwe in September last year, Phirinyane was announced as an ambassador of the Selibe-Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit (SPEDU). SPEDU is an investment promotion company owned by the Government of Botswana tasked to coordinate investment promotion and economic diversification in the SPEDU economic region.
You would have realized that SPEDU undertook to support the Miss Botswana project and as such, I was the first queen to be crowned in Selibe-Phikwe. The intention was always to utilize the platform that is Miss Botswana through affiliation of the Miss World organization to bring to the fore the investment opportunities available in the SPEDU region.
This was done while promoting some of the cultural enterprises in the region, of prominence being the basketry that is present in the area. I couldnt realize half of these projects because of the virus that swept plans that were initially put in place.
The Miss Botswana crown is meant to provide a platform from which the reigning queen can interact with the society both in influential and leadership positions. Miss Botswana is also supposed to inspire many with her presence. However, although the COVID-19 pandemic crushed her reign, Phirinyane achieved few of her duties.
The first quarter of my reign falls in 2019, from the day I was crowned I started preparing for Miss World until the finale which was in December in London. The rest of my reign falls in 2020 and I am proud of myself to have been able to donate school shoes at Tsholofelong Children and Youth Trust, and I imparted some skills on them.
I was an amazing experience to get to see how some people in our country live and I would continue this noble gesture post my reign. I was also involved in sanitary pads donation in Mochudi with our prominent radio host Ausi Kgomotso as well as 240 face masks in Serowe. Some dreams are better manifested in another brain, which is the beauty of collaboration. Frankly, the reign of Miss Botswana 2019/2020 has been greatly challenged by the COVID-19 contagion.
Quizzed on why her presence on social media seems darkened, Phirinyane was quick to jump in and told WeekendLife that with the advent of the digital age of social media, it has become quite common that we have all seemingly become experts and opinion leaders on all matters that may come up and trend.
I do not believe that being visible on social media and expressing an opinion on issues, some of which may require relevant expertise and authority. It was made clear that we should allow for the correct information to come from official authorized pages.
The queen has been busy uploading videos raising awareness about COVID-19 contagion, when most of you thought she is just absent on social media. Well, Weekend Life was first to be told that most of these videos were available on her pages stories, when none of you knew.
I put out a video on the page, shared official announcements on Facebook stories since thats where I get more audience. I use hashtags when uploading my pictures on all my social media accounts, and at one point, I went live on Instagram with Miss World Uganda 2019 and Man of the World Namibia 2020 to raise awareness and discussed the effects of COVID-19 in our countries.
I am not the best with social media because I believe in living my life from time to time to put up something it comes with the title and peoples expectations. I am more of a doer than a talker, Phirinyane said. Well, a question that was off record but I feel deserves to be on record, Miss Botswana has someone she looks up to. And to my surprise, its someone we all have a high regard for.
She had to be one from home which I can relate to, Emma Wareus. To this day we havent met but she encouraged me every time I was at Miss World competitions in London. You become more peaceful, positive and harmonic when you do not react to people that use you as a mirror of their self-doubt and hate that, that is Emma Wareus.
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Creatives taking over 2023
Creativity is seen everywhere and these individuals did something recently that’s never been done before, and some are still killing it. We see creativity on streaming platforms, stages, runways, social media and boardrooms even. Some of them are revamping their businesses, and lately, clothing sale is thriving.
They love concept-driven designs, storytelling and they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that will leave footprints in the sand. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, these creative minds utilized the drawing board and they became cognizant that monetizing content will actually take them far, which is frank nonetheless.
This is commendable though, but the creative industry will still need support from government in order for it to flourish further. Allocation of resources (funds, facilities and empowerment) should be done consistently, creativity must be raised and at the end of the day, the economy benefits from that kind of investment.
HAN C
Ever since he parted ways with his former manager, DJ Bougee Sid, Mahalapye born-pint sized, multi-award-winning artist, Hanceford Magapatona has been taking up space, unapologetically so. Han C has shown a strong will to take over the entire world, and he is in the right direction. He’s solely organizing the annual Mahalapye Spring Festival, which is taking place next weekend.
The Pepetetsa hitmaker raked some monies from his savings to put together this event. Mahalapye Spring Festival will feature Paige, Ubuntu Band, Khoisan, Amantle Brown and Double Up among others. Even though it didn’t come as a surprise, Han C was nominated at African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in the US, under Best Male Southern Africa category.
However, the award was snatched by the late South African rapper, AKA. Its not all lost as Han C secured two nominations at the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs): People’s Choice of the Year and Best Male Single.
KOKETSO MOTSWAGOLE
This entrepreneur has turned his dreams into reality, and his promising apparel business is now a fashion destination. Matter of fact, Motswagole weathered the storms to be where he is now because through criticism and social media bullying, he still leads the pack in fashion.
His social media accounts got deleted but through his online store, KM Sales, Motswagole is able to rake in some profits. He initially started selling from his car but now owns a busy store and has employed a number of young people.
KM Sales has been offering fashionable items (shoes, t-shirts, pants) and has been participating in various lifestyle events such as Garden of Drip where it showcases its products.
If there is one young entrepreneur to draw motivation from is Koketso. The business started from humble beginnings, at the time when he worked part time at Ipelegeng as a casual labor. Indeed, good things come to those who wait, or well, work like a slave today, live like a king tomorrow.
KAGISO LUDO DE KLERK
Vee Mampeezy’s ex-wife Kagiso De Klerk clearly did not sit and weep over their dramatic divorce. The famous social media influencer hurriedly picked up the pieces and went hard on promoting business online. She literally took social media influencing to the head and it is working for her.
This year saw her partnership with Shell reach greater heights, and obviously, she is raking lot of pulas from the deal. Kagiso has been making frequent appearances in top events in South Africa such as Bubbles in Spring and Gold and Diamond Experience.
GAONA DINTWE
After a long break from the limelight, renowned media and radio personality, Gaona Dintwe is back. She was missed by many on TV, and she’s back where she belongs, news anchoring on BTV. Gaona has also found a niche in podcasting. She is a host of her own podcast, Gaona Live Conversation, where various people share their stories on camera.
Some of what they discuss is Gender Based Violence (GBV), polygamy and drug addiction. This is highly commendable because even BTV doesn’t have programs that discuss these crucial social issues. The Lentswelemoruti native is also seen in various corporate events where she is engaged as a host.
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DITIRO LEERO ONE MAN SHOW ON THE PIPELINE
Now that one-man shows are made fashionable, traditional dance guru and ex-convict, Ditiro Leero is joining the crusade and he will be hosting his also. The show will be held next month at Zone 4 Farm in Selokolela, but the there are traditional dance music artists who have been lined up to perform at the show. Matshana, Morwa Leka and Maswailathota will be doing their thing and probably bring some heat too. Ditiro Leero will be making history as the first traditional artist to host a one-man show in Botswana.
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MISS BOTSWANA HAVING MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE
With only two months before Miss World 2023, the reigning Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo is having many irons in the fire, preparing for the much-anticipated beauty pageant. Miss World 2023 will be the 71st edition of Miss World pageant and it will be held in India. Chombo has been spotted toning her body at Jack’s gym, a requirement that is taken seriously at the pageant. She has also been participating in charity events, something that should add to her profile at the Miss World.