Two Batswana young models, Kimberly Dude Matheakgomo (9) and Shazia Juby John (7) represented the country well at the just ended Mini Miss Junior Idol World pageant which was held in Thailand last weekend.
Matheakgomo was crowned 1st Little Miss Junior Idol World 2022 and Best Dancer Award while John was crowned Best Photogenic Junior Idol World 2022 and Junior Idol World Raising Star Award. The young stars who contested with other young international models from around the world put up an impressive performance at the pageant.
Matheakgomo walked away with a crown worth US$400, 1000 US Dollars cash price and a Sash while John received a special title, Sash and a crown for Best Photogenic Junior Idol World 2022. Despite having done a sterling job, the reigning Maun based Mini Princess World Botswana 2021 (John) did not make it into the top 5 of the competition during the grand finale.
Matheakgomo was crowned Mini Little Junior Idol World 2022 after beating the likes of Thailand (1st and 3rd runners up), Philippines (2nd runners up), Laos (4th runners up) and Vietnam on 5th.
Matheakgomo’s mother who is also her manager, Lebogang Matheakgomo told The Weekender about how the young model received a warm welcome when she stepped on stage. She revealed that one of the organizers has since offered to train and teach her dance techniques and gymnastics online.
Matheakgomo said honoring the competition was a difficult call as she had to raise funds for the trip to Thailand. She revealed that she had to sell food, organized activities to raise money which was not enough at the beginning. Matheakgomo further said the lack of funds caused them to do visas late, risking their chances of travelling to Thailand.
The mother cum manager thanked various donors among them area Member of Parliament, Thulaganyo Segokgo, Kelbry Fashion Design, Gasefele Seithamo, Thabiso Tabothiwa and Seonyatseng Mokgadi.
She further thanked Air Botswana for sponsoring their trip from Gaborone to Johannesburg and back to Gaborone.
John’s manager, on the other hand, who is also her mother, Kath Naval John thanked Batswana for rallying behind her since day one and also for the votes. Through the support, Shazia managed to get position 2 with 10486 votes behind Thailand which had 19617 votes.
John said the pageant has unlocked doors of other opportunities for her daughter, highlighting that they will soon prepare for another upcoming international pageant called Prince and Princess World Competition.
She acknowledge all designers from Botswana and South Africa comprising of Prestige, Mma Botswana, Caro Bee designs, Rockabonke Clothing, Poised Clothing, Noxy Simhle designs (South Africa) and Lala Designs for their support. According to here, the designers managed to contributed clothes designed for such occasions among others Leteisi Dress and shoes, Evening gowns, Sports wears, Creative costume, Swim wear, dresses and African print and national costumes.
“The clothes and all the designs worked wonders for my daughter in Thailand hence she managed to scoop the Best Photogenic Award,” the mother appreciated. She further appreciated Glory Modeling Academy for assisting her daughter with training and preparations towards the competition, something which she said went a long way in boosting the child’s confidence against other participants.
