Botswana queen wins Miss Africa beauty pageant 2017

Botswana queen, Gaseangwe Balopi, 21, has won the second edition of the Miss Africa beauty pageant hosted by the Cross River government. Balopi emerged the 2017 African queen at the keenly contested event after a fourth round of appearances in different attires by 25 contestants. NAN reports that the red carpet event started at round […]

Botswana queen, Gaseangwe Balopi, 21, has won the second edition of the Miss Africa beauty pageant hosted by the Cross River government.

Balopi emerged the 2017 African queen at the keenly contested event after a fourth round of appearances in different attires by 25 contestants.

NAN reports that the red carpet event started at round 10.45 pm on Wednesday night at the Calabar International Convention Centre and ended around 3a.m on Thursday.

She is to take home $35,000 and a Ford Edge Sport Utility Vehicle as her star prize.

Miss Rwanda, Fiona Naringwa and Miss Luyolo Mngonyama of South Africa were first and second runners-up. Naringwa will take home $10,000 and Mngonyama $5,000.

Governor Ben Ayade said the theme of the event ‘Climate Change and Migration’ was chosen to create awareness on the need to protect the environment and caution youth against illegal migration.

“Migration and climate change have become burning and global issues today. We are not gathered here to pick the most beautiful woman, but rather, we want to pick the true African woman who can use her beauty to change Africa,” he said.

Botswana’s Balopi promised to use her crown to create awareness on the dangers of illegal migration by youths across Africa, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported.

The former Miss Africa, Neurite Mendes from Angola, urged the new African queen to use her office to end illegal migration by some Africans to European countries.

Nigerian music artist, Flavour and South African music star, Mafikizolo, entertained the over 2,000 guests at the occasion.