From Maun to the world: The Remarkable Journey of Tshepang Mokate
At the age of 18, Tshepang Quinn Genevieve Mokate, the current Miss Republic Continent International Botswana 2024, is already making a name for herself. Born in Sebina and raised in Maun, Mokate’s journey has been marked by both challenges and achievements. Her early attempts at pageantry faced significant challenges, as she had to drop out of competitions like Miss Teen Africa and Miss Teen Universe, which were held in Gaborone while she was based in Maun. Balancing travel and school proved difficult, leading her to step back from these opportunities.
Growing up in Maun, Mokate’s early experiences were shaped by both challenges and opportunities. She is currently a first-year student studying Criminal Justice with dreams of becoming a Criminal Defense Lawyer. Her initial attempt at pageantry didn’t go as planned, but that early challenge fueled her drive to succeed. "My first pageant didn’t work out, but it motivated me to keep going forward," she says. Despite having to drop out of Miss Teen
Africa and Miss Teen Universe due to the distance between Maun and Gaborone, she remained firm and continued to pursue her goals.
Besides pageantry, she also has a knack for writing poetry, which reflects her personal journey and literary influences. "I began writing as a way to cope with the grief of losing my grandmother at a young age," she says. "My poetry is inspired by my background and experiences, as well as by literary artists that I love like Maya Angelou, Shakespeare, and Russian playwrights such as Dostoevsky and Camus. Their work has had a profound impact on me," she explains.
Balancing multiple roles as a student, poet, model, and aspiring actress, Mokate manages her time with careful planning. "I am naturally inclined to multitask. I plan my schedule carefully, dedicating weekends to my passions and weekdays to my studies. Journaling helps me stay organized and focused," she says. Her poetry often explores themes of sadness, belonging, and resilience. "I want my work to convey that despite the hardships and sadness, there is always hope and a light at the end of the tunnel," she says.
Her modeling career has complemented her poetic journey, providing a platform to showcase her talent. "Pageants include a talent parade where contestants showcase their talents, and for me, that’s poetry. Modeling has given me opportunities to present my work and continue developing my craft," Mokate says.
Looking ahead, Mokate is excited about launching her charity, GEM, which focuses on the girl child, environmental issues, and mental health. "This has been a long-term goal, and I’m committed to making a difference. I also hope to collaborate with UNICEF and push my limits to create positive change," she says.
One of her proudest achievements is winning the Miss Republic Continent International Botswana title in May this year. Reflecting on this accomplishment, she says, "I never imagined I would win this title. You know when you work hard for something you want to achieve, and it seems impossible. When they announced me as Queen, I was so happy. It felt really good to see all my hard work finally pay off."
For those aspiring to follow her path, Mokate offers this advice: "Keep working hard; hard work pays off. Stay fit, put in the effort, and eventually, it will pay off. Stay true to yourself. Some people in this industry often become characters they are not. Remain true to your principles, remember where you come from, and stay focused on your goals."