At just 23 years of age, Kimberley Masika Kotewa is already making waves on the national stage. Hailing from Maun, Kotewane recently secured a spot to represent the nation in the upcoming Miss Earth International pageant in the Philippines this December, she reflects on the long and deeply personal journey that has brought her this far.
Her current journey began earlier this year, when she was scouted by Naval John, the director of Miss Earth International. At the time, pageantry was merely a dream, one shaped by childhood fantasies of tiaras, gowns, and the allure of glamor.
“At first, it was just about looking like a princess,” Kotewa admits. “But over time, I realised pageantry is much more than that. It’s about finding your voice, understanding your purpose, and using that platform to make a real impact.”
This deeper calling took shape during her school years, where she dedicated time to understanding the world of pageantry. What began as a dream transformed into a tool for advocacy, especially through her Miss Botswana project, The Growth Guide. The initiative focuses on empowering academically challenged students to identify and nurture their talents beyond traditional academics. “I wanted to help those students discover their strengths outside the classroom to give them hope and the tools to thrive,” she explains.
Before reaching the Miss Botswana stage, Kotewa competed in a few regional pageants. She was crowned Second Princess at Miss Ngami 2020 and First Princess at Miss Nature Conservancy the same year. It was during these competitions that she caught the attention of director Naval John, who later supported her Miss Botswana campaign, inspired by Kotewa’s work ethic and passion for community development.
Now, with her eyes set on the Miss Earth International title, Kotewa is preparing for her first-ever international pageant in the Philippines, set to run from December 1st to 9th. Although preparations are still in the early stages, her excitement is already palpable. “I’ve always wanted to wear my country’s name across my chest,” she said with pride. “It means everything to represent Botswana on the world stage.”
As she looks ahead, Kotewa is calling on potential sponsors and supporters to come on board. With the official preparations set to begin soon, she hopes to rally the support needed to make her international debut a success. For those wishing to support her journey, “I want to make Botswana proud,” she said.
