A23-year-old beauty with brains, Warona Emmanuel from Diloro, has won the Africa’s Next Super Model Botswana pageantry. The young woman, who is currently pursuing BSc Range Science at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, was crowned the new queen on December 3. She told Arts & Culture that she believes that as an aspiring Restoration Ecologist, creating change awakens her to possibilities.

“I have not partaken in any modeling competitions in a long time and when I saw the opportunity it only felt right to do so, as I believed it would give me a platform to express myself by doing what I love. When I won the crown, I asked myself if this was real,” she said.

She continued: “I remember being so surprised and wondering if this was really a reality. It took me some time to soak it all in but I am honestly ecstatic. It is something I have always wanted for myself. I have always had a positive mindset and believed that I had the ability to succeed and it would be an honour to raise the blue, black and white flag at the international stage.”

Furthermore, Emmanuel explained that the most challenging part she faced during the competition was being disciplined because she had to be proactive all the time, with limited time and a hectic schedule. She said she had to be very organised so she pushed herself more and more each day preparing for the event.

She also said that was her second modeling competition. Emmanuel is no stranger to the ramp. She previously competed in a number of beauty pageants and had scooped Miss BUAN 2019/2020. She explained that she wanted to see herself getting international recognition, getting deals with big brands adding that she believed her new crown would give her a platform that would position her to where she wants to be.

“My friends and family were always my number one support system as well the ladies I was competing with. We formed an amazing sisterhood. I received 100% sponsorship from GUC to do any course of my choice and also I have been given a platform to express myself and live out my wildest dreams as well as inspire other models that think that their dreams are not valid especially considering the modeling industry in our country. I have also made some meanships,” ingful relationships,” she said.