As the National Director of Miss Universe Botswana, Safie Sekgwa (SS) is redefining pageantry as a platform for leadership, economic development and national branding. Speaking exclusively to My Afrika Magazine journalist Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR), Sekgwa shares how Botswana’s diamonds, culture, tourism and people can be transformed into powerful tools for global influence.

He reflects on his journey, his vision for Miss Universe Botswana, and why Africa must embrace beauty as a driver of progress.

TR: Safie, you have built a remarkable reputation in the global pageant space. Take us back to the beginning—what first drew you into the world of pageantry and modelling?
SS: My passion for fashion first drew me into pageantry and modelling. Living as a permanent resident of New York City—the fashion capital of the world—opened my eyes to the industry’s possibilities. Having been raised by strong women, I have always felt a responsibility to champion women’s empowerment. However, true gender equality cannot be achieved without men actively supporting that cause. Women are central to nation-building, and recognising their contribution is a responsibility we all share.

TR: As National Director of Miss Universe Botswana, what is your leadership vision for Botswana on the global Miss Universe stage?
SS: My vision is to elevate Botswana’s global profile. Beyond showcasing our beautiful country, I want the world to understand the true story behind Botswana’s natural diamonds. Every diamond purchased contributes to education, healthcare and national development. Diamonds transformed Botswana from one of the world’s poorest nations after independence into an upper-middle-income economy. Through Miss Universe, we can tell that remarkable story while attracting investment, tourism and international partnerships.

TR: Botswana’s modelling industry continues to grow. What opportunities and challenges do you see?
SS: Botswana is a diamond nation, and authentic marketing of our diamonds requires local models who genuinely represent our story. That creates enormous opportunities for our modelling industry, including fashion weeks and global campaigns centred around Botswana’s identity. The challenge is that the industry remains underdeveloped because it has not yet received sufficient government recognition and investment. Modelling should be viewed as a legitimate profession capable of creating sustainable careers.

TR: Having travelled extensively through the international pageant circuit, what lessons has Botswana learned from the global stage?
SS: International exposure teaches us to dream bigger. Botswana can compete with the very best, and so can Africa. What we need are ambitious leaders who prioritise socioeconomic development over politics. We must also learn to embrace beauty because beauty contributes directly to economic growth. Our diamonds, tourism, culture and spirit of botho or ubuntu are all expressions of beauty that deserve global celebration.

TR: How important is Miss Universe Botswana in shaping ambassadors rather than simply beauty queens?
SS: Miss Universe Botswana is fundamentally a leadership programme. I constantly remind contestants that wearing the crown is about serving others. They become ambassadors for Botswana’s diamonds, tourism and cultural heritage. Every interaction they have reflects our nation to investors, tourists and international partners. Their conduct, character and storytelling ability matter just as much as their appearance.

TR: Botswana has a rich cultural heritage. How do you incorporate that identity into contestant preparation?
SS: Every coronation includes a cultural fashion showcase celebrating Botswana’s diverse communities. We also unveil a national costume that represents our collective identity. Throughout training, we encourage contestants to carry Botswana with pride wherever they go, whether on stage or on social media. Our guiding principle is simple Botswana first.

TR: Beyond physical beauty, what defines a world-class Miss Universe contestant today?
SS: She embodies elegance, intelligence, charisma, confidence, eloquence and ambition. More importantly, she is a leader and a role model. She inspires people naturally, transforms lives and carries herself with purpose. A crown alone does not define greatness—impact does.

TR: International competitions bring immense pressure. How do you prepare contestants mentally and emotionally?
SS: We organise intensive boot camps that prepare contestants in every aspect of competition. They receive training in branding, etiquette, public speaking, diplomacy, skincare, body care, tourism promotion, investment attraction and diamond marketing. We prepare complete ambassadors who can confidently represent Botswana on the world stage.

TR: Representation matters. How do you ensure Botswana’s voice is heard in the highly competitive Miss Universe arena?
SS: Everything we do aligns with Botswana’s national vision of becoming a high-income economy by 2036. Miss Universe is not simply a beauty competition—it is one of the world’s most powerful commercial platforms. We use it strategically to promote investment, tourism and Botswana’s development story to the global community.

TR: What role does modelling play in empowering young women and men in Botswana?
SS: My experience in the United States and Canada has shown me that modelling can be a full-time profession. It creates jobs, builds confidence and opens doors. Today, more young people in Botswana are recognising modelling as a genuine career path capable of providing both economic opportunities and personal development.

TR: What misconceptions still surround pageantry in Botswana?
SS: Many people still dismiss pageantry as something superficial. Unfortunately, some believe success can only come through traditional academic pathways. My mission is to demonstrate that modelling is a professional industry capable of supporting careers while also serving as a powerful marketing platform for businesses and government.

TR: How can Botswana’s culture, language and traditions be better showcased globally through pageantry?
SS: Africans must first love themselves, embrace their roots and remain proud of their heritage. Once that foundation exists, sharing your country’s story becomes natural. Botswana has a powerful story to tell through its diamonds, tourism and peaceful society. Pageantry gives us an international stage to build friendships, attract investors and invite the world to experience Botswana.

TR: What qualities do you seek when selecting a Miss Universe Botswana titleholder?
SS: I look for women who are genuine role models—women who possess self-respect, leadership, confidence, intelligence, charisma and humility. Above all, they must be willing to learn and grow. Previous modelling experience is not essential because Miss Universe is about becoming the best version of yourself.

TR: Finally, what is your long-term vision for Botswana’s place within the global pageant industry?
SS: Botswana has already proven it can succeed on the global stage, and we intend to continue competing at the highest level. I want the world to associate Botswana with natural diamonds, authentic beauty, rich culture and outstanding tourism. Our greatest assets are gifts that can transform our economy. If we fully embrace and market them, I firmly believe Botswana can achieve high-income status by 2036. Beauty is not simply something we admire it is one of our greatest economic resources, and it is time the world recognised that.