On the 16th of April 2026, Miss World Botswana hosted an official intimate and meaningful handover and prize-giving ceremony, bringing together the DAI Group team, executing partners, and both outgoing and incoming queens. The occasion marked a proud milestone, a formal passing of the reigns from former Miss Botswana and current Miss World Botswana, Ruth Thomas, to the newly crowned Miss Botswana 2026, Magdalene Angel Modipane.
The ceremony was attended by the full DAI Group staff alongside the dedicated Miss Botswana executing team, comprising Braveheart, Ratco Events, Pageantry Academy, Papervalley, and Last Dime, the professional partners whose contributions have been instrumental in the growth and success of the Miss Botswana platform.
In attendance were outgoing titleholders Miss World Botswana Ruth Thomas and her Princesses Selwana Motsemeng and Girly Kookilwe, alongside the newly crowned Miss Botswana 2026, Magdalene Angel Modipane and her Princesses Mosa Gontshwanetse and Michelle Bagoleng.
The handover ceremony served as a powerful exchange of purpose and responsibility, with the outgoing queens formally passing on their duties, experiences, and legacy to the incoming titleholders. It was a moment defined by reflection, gratitude, and encouragement reinforcing the values of sisterhood, leadership, and service that underpin the Miss Botswana platform.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Miss World Botswana, Benjamin Raletsatsi, reaffirmed the organisation’s vision:
“Our aim is to make a significant impact in the 1 Billion beauty industry while ensuring that we contribute meaningfully to the economic landscape of beauty in Botswana. Miss Botswana is not just a pageant or a business, it is a platform for growth, innovation and national development.”
The ceremony also paid tribute to the outgoing queens, who reflected on their journeys with heartfelt messages.
Miss Botswana 2025 2nd Princess, Girly Kookilwe:
“This is an honour and an emotional moment for me. I thank the Miss Botswana team and everyone who supported me throughout my journey. To the incoming queens, lead with a beautiful heart, enjoy every moment, be sisters and always reconcile your differences. You are more than capable. I am going home having learned so much, and I am ready to teach others this is only the beginning of a new chapter.”
Miss Botswana 2025 1st Princess, Selwana Motsemeng:
“I chose to pursue Miss Botswana after school so I could fully dedicate myself to it. I always say that if you are selected, it happens for a reason and in accordance with God’s plans. This journey has been more than a blessing, it has been an intentional journey. I thank my mother and my siblings for being my foundation, and my entire team who contributed to my growth. I also thank Mr. Ben for giving us opportunities beyond the crown, and I hope this continues even after our reign.”
Miss World Botswana, Ruth Thomas:
“Mr. Ben, you don’t know what you do for us. This platform shaped me into the person I am today. Being here felt like going to school, I learned, I grew, and I discovered that there are infinite possibilities in a world that is constantly challenging us.”
In recognition of their dedication and service, the outgoing queens received the following awards:
• Girly Kookilwe received P40,000
• Selwana Motsemeng received P60,000
• Ruth Thomas received P150,000, opting for a cash award in place of the traditional vehicle
The event also served as a moment of appreciation for the entire executing team whose collective effort made the 2025 reign a resounding success. The handover ceremony not only marked the close of a remarkable chapter, but ushered in a new era for Miss Botswana grounded in purpose, empowerment, and national impact.
