With her wardrobe, Beauty With a Purpose project, and rigorous training all in place, Miss World Botswana Anicia Gaothusi is more than ready to represent her country at the highly anticipated 72nd Miss World Festival in Telangana, India. With just weeks remaining before the world’s most prestigious beauty pageant, the 23-year-old queen has been undergoing an intense preparation program that focuses on three key areas: mental sharpness, physical strength, and pageantry skills.
Gaothusi’s preparation is not just about looking the part; it’s about being fully equipped to make a meaningful impact on the global stage. A key component of her training has been her Beauty With a Purpose project, titled Lights, which aims to promote primary healthcare by providing basic first aid education. This initiative is designed to empower communities with essential lifesaving skills, ensuring that individuals can respond effectively to medical emergencies before professional help arrives. By focusing on healthcare, Gaothusi hopes to raise awareness and contribute to improving lives globally, aligning with Miss World’s values of social impact and change.
In an interview with BOPA, Gaothusi expressed her excitement about representing Botswana on such a prestigious platform. “I feel incredibly honoured and excited to represent Botswana. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a dream come true,” she said. Despite acknowledging the pressures that come with the competition, Gaothusi remains focused on her mission to showcase the beauty, strength, and resilience of her home country. “There are moments of pressure, especially in the public eye, but I remind myself daily of my purpose,” she added.
Gaothusi also expressed deep gratitude to the people of Botswana for their continuous love and unwavering support throughout her journey. “I am forever thankful to Batswana for the encouragement they have given me. Their support has been a driving force,” she shared.
The Miss Botswana team has expressed satisfaction with Gaothusi’s progress, with everything running smoothly and no major challenges reported. “With a supportive team, well-planned schedules, and dedicated partners, everything has been progressing according to plan,” said Miss Botswana’s public relations and administration assistant, Unaswi Moalusi. The team has worked tirelessly to ensure that Gaothusi receives top-tier training, which includes swimming lessons with Propellers Swimming Academy, gym sessions at Jack’s Gym, and pageantry coaching, including training for top-model walking.
In response to last year’s criticism regarding the wardrobe choices, the Miss Botswana team has assured the public that Gaothusi has been working closely with a stylist to refine her fashion choices. Her wardrobe is being carefully curated to reflect her elegance while embracing the rich cultural heritage of India, especially Telangana, where the Miss World pageant will be held.
The team is also encouraging Batswana to continue supporting Gaothusi by engaging with her journey through social media—liking, sharing, and commenting with messages of encouragement. This online support is critical in motivating her as she prepares for the international competition.
Gaothusi’s journey is particularly remarkable given her previous achievements. She was crowned Miss Teen Botswana in 2019 and earned the title of 2nd Princess at the Miss Teen International 2019 competition. Since being crowned Miss Botswana on March 23, 2024, she has shown significant growth in confidence, public speaking skills, and overall readiness for the Miss World stage. Her participation in weekly Toastmasters sessions, training with Radio Botswana 2 (RB2), and frequent media engagements have helped her develop into a more articulate, assertive, and relatable representative for Botswana.
“She has become more articulate, assertive, and relatable,” Moalusi noted, commending Gaothusi’s transformation. With every step of her preparation, she’s been refining her skills and preparing herself for the global spotlight, embodying the ideals of empowerment and resilience that Miss World stands for.
As the 72nd Miss World Festival draws near, Anicia Gaothusi stands as a strong, confident, and dedicated ambassador for Botswana. Her journey will undoubtedly inspire many, and with her determination and focus, she is well on her way to making her mark at one of the world’s most respected beauty pageants.
