The 2nd mini Miss Junior Idol Botswana, Katlego Emily and Miss Teen Idol Botswana, Tia Lekgowa who were among Botswana’s representatives at the 2nd edition of Junior World Idols that was recently held in Thailand have been crowned at the pageant.
Six competitors from Botswana represented the country and amongst them were the two young beauties from Ngamiland who were able to make it to the top 5 finalists. Lekgowa from Khwai village scooped second position (1st runners up) in the Miss Junior Idol World while Mpudi from Thamaga but residing in Maun got position four (3rd runners up) in the Mini Miss Junior Idol World.
The Junior Idol World is a new generation of kids pageant tag lined “shine your way, everyone can be an Idol”. The pageant was held in Bangkok, Thailand on the 8th of January and the six beauty queens raised Botswana’s flag high despite the major challenges of sponsorship.
Contestants wore national colours to showcase the country’s culture, while some including Mpudi and Kimberly Matheagomo performed contemporary poems, portraying their talents.
Mpudi, who was crowned the 2nd Miss junior Idols Botswana in November last year was on Monday evening crowned the Mini Miss Junior Idol World 3rd runner up. The young queen also won the best Walk Award. Another star who previously won the 1st edition of the pageant, Matheakgomo, was awarded International Amazing Kid award at the ceremony bringing fame and honor to the country.
Speaking to The Weekender, Junior Idol World Botswana National Director, Lebogang Matheakgomo said that the pageant is all about creating opportunities for the kids to showcase their talents, attitudes and abilities to the world. Matheakgomo said all the contestants from Botswana made a good impression in Thailand.
The director however lamented that their major challenge was lack of sponsors something which she said made it very difficult for the kids and their parents.
“I was only appointed the director of the pageant in August and had to do all the preparations in a short period of time,” she noted.
As a result, Matheakgomo said potential sponsors were approached late and therefore could not give much assistance. Each contestant had to solicit sponsorship for themselves, and despite the challenge participants successfully made it to the finals.
Meanwhile Mpudi’s Personal Manager, Botlhale Menyatso said the journey to Thailand was not an easy one, echoing the lack of sponsorship as a major setback.
Menyatso commended Batswana for the love and support they showed them from the beginning to the end.
“Katlego competed by God’s grace, shinned and raised Botswana’s flag by doing exceptionally well,” he said.
For her part, Tia’s mother Anita Lekgowa expressed gratitude that she has always believed in her daughter who for a long has shown the love for pageantry all her life. She has since encouraged Batswana to continue giving love and support to her.
With the pageantry’s mission to create one of the world’s exquisite international kids pageant, kids all over the world are sure to be nurtured and showcase their capabilities to the world.
