The Honourable Minister of Youth, Sports, Gender and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare, met with Miss Botswana 2024, Anicia Gaothusi, to extend his congratulations on her recent win and pledge the Ministry’s support as she prepares to represent Botswana at the 72nd Miss World.
During the meeting, Minister Rakgare acknowledge the delay in formally meeting the newly crowned queen, citing the demands of his Ministry. He extended his heartfelt apologies and emphasized the Ministry’s unwavering dedication to supporting Botswana’s youth.
“This is your Ministry, a Ministry for young people. We are here because of you, and we will do everything in our power to assist you in any way we can. Your victory is victory, just as when Letsile Tebogo brought home gold, Batswana came together to celebrate him. Our youth are hungry for success, and I wish you all the best as you prepare for Miss World. I know you will make us proud,” the Minister remarked.
Hon. Rakgare acknowledged the importance of bolstering support for beauty queens, highlighting a gap in appreciation and backing for their efforts. “I might not know much about beauty queens, but I do know that confidence is key. Confidence comes from feeling values, and as a Minister, I’ve realised we need to do more to support our beauty queens.”
The Ministry has a strong track record of supporting Miss Botswana representatives, including the assistance provided to Palesa Molefe, Miss Botswana 2021, who competed at Miss Botswana 2021, who competed at Miss World in Puerto Rico. The Minister outlined the various ways the Ministry supported Molefe, from providing wardrobe assistance and business-class travel to offering financial support, including a P25,000 allowance. He assured Anicia that the Ministry would extend similar support to her.
“We will do the same for you, Anicia, but we need the private sector to step up and realise that your success is Botswana’s success,” the Ministry emphazed.
The meeting also gave Ms. Anicia the opportunity to present her Beauty With A Purpose project, titled “Lights,” to the Minister. She expressed her determination to make a significant impact through her project, which focuses on health education and first aid training.
“We havent won the Beauty With A Purpose title as Botswana, and I want to change that. My project, ‘Lights,’ is inspired by my grandmother, who was a nurse. It aims to empowe people by teaching them basic health practices and first aid response. I want every Motswana to become a first responder or a basic life saver. This project has the potential to make a real difference, and I believe it can bring home the Beauty With A Purpose title. I hope you will help me by connecting me with the right people to make this project a success,” Ms. Anicia explained.
Minister Rakgare reiterated his enthusiasm to support Ms. Anicia on her journey. “You are the queen we have, and we are ready to assist you with whatever you need. To the private sector and the public, this is your chance to contribute to Botswana’s success,” he urged.
This meeting signals the beginning of a collaborative effort to ensure Ms. Anicia Gaothusi’s success on the international stage as she embarks on her journey to the 72nd Miss World. With the backing of the Ministry and hope support from the private sector, Ms. Anicia aims to make Botswana proud.
