Kutlo Motseta
2nd October 2024
With modernization cultural heritage is fast becoming lost as the youth often drift from established cultural norms and traditions. It is therefore encouraging that Connie Ontlametse is committed to using her platform as Miss Heritage Global Botswana to address this issue.
She was the 1st runner up at Miss World Heritage International. She will be competing in two weeks for the Miss World Global Heritage against 36 countries in Namibia.
The 22-year-old who hails from Palapye village, has founded a “Beauty with a Purpose” project through which she hopes to achieve her cultural objectives and is being supported by I Am Foundation.
“It helps people know about their culture and adults teach children and children to teach adults. [Because] This generation re ma Jay Z (meaning we are influenced by western pop culture),” she said.
Reflecting on her experiences as runner up at Miss Heritage Global, she said, “it was our first event, I was 20 years old I was young, I learnt about other cultures.”
At the show contestants are present garments from their culture and display them on the global stage. They also present something which represents their country and have a talent show where they dance and recite a poem.
A fashion model of many talents, the third year Health Science Management Boitakanelo College Student. “I am a self-taught designer and make many of my own outfits at competitions”.
Miss Global International Heritage will be held in Namibia between the 17th and 27th October and will be livestreamed on Facebook (see link https://www.facebook.com/missheritagegloba%20l).
Connie Ontlametse (L) with reigning Miss World Botswana Dr Thanolo Keutlwile (C) and Mr and Miss World Heritage Botswana Kefilwe Malensi (R).