05 Feb 2020

The emergence of many modelling agencies in Botswana of recent is a clear indication that the country’s youth want to have a hand in helping the pageantry and modelling world to improve.

Many youngsters are now crowding the popular money spinning industry and it is evident that more needs to be done to cater for the passionate youth who wish to venture into the world of showbiz.

Speaking in an interview with BOPA, some young ladies who are passionate about the modelling industry shed some light about their views on Botswana pageantry and modelling world.  

The four aspiring models are Gofaone Moses (20) from Thamaga, Kopo Keamogetswe (19) from Moshupa, Nelly Ramoipone (20) from Molepolole as well as the 17-year-old Olga Ntogwa from Nswazwi. 

The quartet shares their experiences in the industry as well as what they thought should be done to improve the showbiz sector in all its forms in the country.

They mention that modelling is an event that brings forth one’s confidence and improves teamwork. 

The models interact with a variety of individuals and henceforth discuss a variation of topics and share solutions during their practices.

Ramoipone adds that there are some individuals who earn a living through modelling; therefore they seek refuge at various modelling agencies so as to groom their talent as well as to find gigs. 

They get to sharpen their talent under the care of their directors or agents, Ramoipone notes, encouraging the directors to pay the modellers well. 

She says this would motivate them more as they will afford to do what they love most and also manage to grow in their chosen career. 

Even though some seek assistance from the modelling agencies, these ladies have proven that one can still live their modelling dream with the love and support of family members and loved ones. 

They, therefore, encourage parents and relatives to be supportive to their loved ones who have not managed to affiliate to any agency to assist them where possible so as to improve their skills. 

The models also stress the fact that the love and support of loved ones is a necessity as it boosts their confidence.

Ramoipone explains that a certain Kefentse Gokganwang of Queen Kay Modelling Agency grooms her and she has learnt a lot from her. 

She notes that with the skills she acquired from this agency as well as the love and support she gets from her mother, Tebelelo Ramoipone, not to mention the encouragement she gets from her mentor, Bokang Molefe, she manages to grow in modelling. 

“I started modelling in 2014. 

Through the help of these, I managed to improve from then up to my recent competition Miss Independence Thamaga, held last September. 

I managed to be crowned the second princess. 

That was a huge improvement.” she says.

Even though she intends to grow her modelling career, she has not forgotten her education as she is still pursuing her Bachelor of Public Health at IDM University. 

She explains that with all the love and support she has, she is positive that she will realise dreams and make it both academically and in modelling.

Keamogetswe, who hails from Moshupa, says she too wants to continue with modelling and does not see herself quitting the profession in the near future. 

“I started modelling while I was still in kindergarten. 

I learnt it through television as well as through YouTube videos. 

My parents have also been very supportive throughout my journey.” she notes. 

Throughout her journey, the 19-year-old model managed to scoop some promising positions that made her believe that she was indeed on the right track. 

Some of those positions include being Miss Bikini Independence Thamaga, Best Dancer, Best Popular Aspirant as well as being The First Princess in her last competition, Miss Independence Thamaga. 

When quizzed about her views on Botswana pageantry and modelling in general, Keamogetswe, who happens to be a Broadcasting and Journalism student at Limkokwing University, expresses her concern about certain rules and regulations that govern the industry. 

She says rules that involve the age and height limit as well as weight tend to inconvenience those who are interested in modelling, but do not meet the presented standards. 

The model explains that such rules should be changed as they discourage other passionate aspiring models.

She mentions that she is pleased at the visible growth of modelling in Botswana, including pageantry, expressing her gratitude by citing the now popular Mrs Botswana that was introduced two years ago. 

The passionate model sees herself growing in her chosen career, and is also hopeful to witness some major changes in the rules of the industry in the future, rules that will engage more models.

Moses, who hails from Thamaga, supports her colleague by elaborating more on the growth of Botswana pageantry and modelling. 

The 20-year-old lady explains that pageantry in Botswana is doing a great job by trying by all means to come up with ‘Beauty with Brains’ concept.  

She notes that the culture of engaging the participants in projects that involve helping out in the society also paves a way for building a better Botswana. 

“I was recently crowned Miss Independence Thamaga. 

I was expected to come up with an idea that I can implement in the village.   

So, this allowed me to think of something that I could do to make Thamaga a better place,” she says. 

Moses explains that the tasks that they are given show that pageantry is not just a competition, but also a way of ensuring that the youth of Botswana are engaged in the development of the country.

The bubbly lady encourages those who want to participate in modelling, but are holding back to step forward and do what they love. 

“Modeling does not just involve the runway. 

There are different types of modelling. 

If you do not fit a certain criteria, try another type. 

For example, if you were considered to be too short in runway modelling, do not lose hope and give up. 

Try another type of modelling such as commercial or print modelling that will accommodate you,” she says.

She says aspiring models need to step out of their comfort zones and take risks as they will never know what they are good at unless they try. 

Moses, who is also studying Environmental Health at the University of Botswana crushes the fear of the unknown, explaining that when she started competing recently, she was indeed scared at first. 

However, she did not back down, hence her confidence was restored and the other participants were also helpful as they encouraged her and this also shows that modelling boosts confidence and improves teamwork too.

Another model, Ntogwa, who is the youngest of them all, stresses more on the confidence issue. 

She states that some models might be discouraged when they do not make it to the top.

Ntogwa advises that ‘not everything you do is about winning’. 

One has to put their heart in it and be proud of the results. 

The Form Four 17-year-old pupil at Ledumang Senior Secondary School explains that as a model, if one does not get the crown, they should bear in mind that there is always a next time, therefore they have another chance to sharpen  their skills for the next event.

“I started modelling when I was 12 years old at church. 

My older sister, who is also a model, is the one who trains me. 

With her help and support, I managed to reach the top five in my previous competition and also scoop the best smile award. 

But that is not the end as I am going to make a come back and get the crown,” she adds.

Ntogwa is ambitious and believes that there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

All of the models intend to reach their goals regardless of their fears. 

They also prove that education is still the key to a brighter future, as they do not intend to leave school for modelling. 

The managing director at Queen Kay Modelling, Pageantry and Imani Talent Marketing Agency Kefentse Gokganwang also shed some light on the future of modelling and pageantry in the country. 

She is also the national director for Little Prince and Princess Africa, Prince and Princess International, Little Miss and Mr World, Little King and Queen World, Little Miss International, Little Miss Nations, Little Miss Galaxy and Best Prince and Princess of The World and World Fashion Week. 

Gokganwang is also a model with 14 years experience and a coach.

She explains that the difference between modelling and pageantry is that the former is the one on the ramp, fashion and adverts, whereas the latter refers to beauty competitions, where winners are selected, an example being Miss Botswana.

She explains that the modelling industry of Botswana is not pleasing when it comes to opportunities as well as payments as compared to other countries.  

“There are very few or no opportunities at all. 

In other countries, models make a lot of money from commercial and runway modelling, but in Botswana we do not have any commercial jobs at all,” she explains.

She sadly notes that the situation is not only bad for the models, but for the country too as it discourages the local models to do what they are good at in their own motherland, hence resulting in some looking for greener pastures in the neighbouring countries.

By so doing, they contribute to the growth and development of those countries instead of their own. 

She advocates for local organisations to use local models to market their products. 

Gokganwang expresses her disappointment with the runway modelling in the country, alleging that it is tainted with traces of corruption, which results in the sidelining of some models. 

“Runway gigs are there. 

We could say that they are a good platform for models, but there is always corruption when selecting models and that is one of the things that hinder the growth of this industry in Botswana,” She says sadly.

She urged the government to support the pageantry and modelling industry in the country by sponsoring them. 

“Such help could go a long way because some models do not have means to travel abroad for competitions and directors sometimes struggle to raise funds. 

This can result in some models losing out on opportunities to represent our country due to shortage of funds,” she notes.

Gokganwang says financially stable parents are the ones who are always able to support their model children, urging the government and other stakeholders to do more to help grow the industry. ENDS