After missing in action for 6 years at the Miss Universe International, Botswana has finally chosen a representative to fly its flag at this year’s contest in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Mpule Kwelagobe was the first and last Motswana to win the Miss Universe International crown back in 1999.
The organizer of the show Mos Syde believes that history could easily be repeated.
Characterized by a slight twist, this past Saturday, 2009 Miss Botswana finalist Tirelo Ramasedi was crowned Miss Universe Botswana while former Miss Botswana 2008,Itseng Kgomotso was made her second princess.
The first princess title went to Refilwe Lesole.
Besides an all expenses paid trip to Las Vegas,Ramasedi walked away with P30 000 in cash; Lesole was given a prize money of P15 000 while Kgomotso took home P10 000.
Although the program went swifly, the event fell prone to most of the weaknesses suffered by local shows, starting two hours later than the stipulated time.
Their strengths, however, arose from the fact that they used strictly local perfomers, designers and choreographers.
The musical performances were the most impressive, the most outstanding acts being that of a classical opera group called The Royal Tenours and piano player and singer Kennedy Thal and his partner Lee Tshipa.
Other performers of the night were Dikakapa and a ball room dancing duo. Also present at the event was Miss Botswana 2009, Sumaiyah Marope, who looked exceptionally beautiful with her new short hairstyle.
The contest was different from other shows as contestants were given a chance to introduce themselves to their judges and audience through the use of catch phrases, poems and other ways that enabled them to showcase their confidence and oral punctuality.
Judging from the audience’s reception of the contestants, Pearl Williams as well as Ramasedi proved to be the favorites to win the crown.
However, Williams only managed to make the top 8 but was unfortunate not to make the top 3. She didn’t walk away empty handed as she received the award for Miss Congeniality as well as a cash prize of P1000, which was given to the rest of the contestants.
Another contestant, Sailor Mogotsinyane, was voted by her peers as Miss Photogenic, Keamogetswe Tema was voted Miss Hairstyle. Miss Swimsuit went to Thabang Malebjwe while the Best Gown award was handed to Matilda Pelaelo.
The event was sponsored with help from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Heineken as well as Cresta Hotels.
