With the never-say-die attitude, the beauty queen opens a new chapter in her life journey
Sebaga Manyapetsa, Miss Universe Botswana 2024 2nd Princess, has spent years championing her love for her country, a passion that has driven her in both pageantry and philanthropy. Now, she is ready to shift her focus and embrace new opportunities that align with her life's purpose.
Despite her success on the pageantry stage, Manyapetsa reveals that she will no longer be auditioning for any future pageants. "The pageantry platform has served its purpose in my life. I am moving on to new things," she declares, marking the end of an era and the start of a new chapter in her life.
That new chapter centers around ToroNtle Organization, her "God-given purpose." She explains that charity has always been a part of her life, deeply rooted in the values her parents instilled in her. "I just formalized it to make a legacy out of it," she says. ToroNtle focuses on charitable deeds, youth development, and mindset change, working to address social issues and uplift communities.
"For me, patriotism makes it difficult to give up," says Manyapetsa, as she reflects on her journey. "I would love to one day represent my beautiful country and sell it to the world." But while her love for Botswana fuels her dreams, she confesses that it is not enough to keep her going. “The dream alone is not enough motivation, so God has been a huge push for me. I trust the plan God has for me.”
Manyapetsa understands that her path is filled with trials, yet she views these challenges as an essential part of her growth. "I embrace the lessons and trials that come with the journey because that is what makes my story beautiful." This resilient mindset has given her confidence, allowing her to forge meaningful connections with fellow Batswana and build a platform to influence positive change.
Manyapetsa’s journey into pageantry began in childhood, nurtured by a family that encouraged her to dream. "I grew up in a family that allowed me to dream and nurtured every talent I showed interest in. Pageantry was one of the many things I just picked and ran with since primary school," she shares.
However, her love for pageantry has evolved beyond the competition. "It went from doing it because I enjoyed it to understanding how much it is aligned to my purpose of impacting lives and being a woman of substance." Through her experiences, she has learned that true woman empowerment is a slow process, one that requires careful nurturing and authentic intention.
“We have a long way to go as a country when it comes to woman empowerment because there is exploitation in the name of empowerment, and something truly has to be done about this,” she adds, hinting at the systemic challenges that remain.
One of the key aspects of her philanthropic work is mindset change. Manyapetsa highlights how training from BW Mindset Change coordinators has helped her lead initiatives with intention. "The first session I did was through ToroNtle, where we hosted a bonfire session for the youth, and the concept of mindset change was among the topics we interacted on."
Her efforts are far from isolated, Manyapetsa seamlessly intertwines her work in philanthropy, modeling, and beauty pageantry to create a unified approach to social change. "I have never felt like the things I do are separate entities. Each waters the other," she reflects.
Collaborations with local brands, such as Bijoux, which donated shoes to her charity, further exemplifies how she uses her modeling platform to benefit her philanthropic goals. "It has not necessarily changed my approach, but it has contributed to helping me get my advocacy works done."
Manyapetsa has her sights set on even greater goals. "I would love to work with brands like BK Proctor, Prince Tom, Urban Soul, Le Africa, LUCARA, and Bloom Sanitary Pads," she shares, all companies that share her patriotic vision.
Education remains a priority for her, who dreams of pursuing a PhD and starting a pageantry academy to train young girls. "I would like to write a book at some point in my life," she adds, hinting at the possibility of sharing her story in the written word.
Throughout her journey, Manyapetsa has drawn inspiration from others, including Mpule Kwelagobe, whose dedication to community development she admires. "In philanthropy, it is definitely my parents. They are the kindest, most loving people I know."
As she moves forward, she offers advice for anyone pursuing a passion. "Whatever you do, may it align with your purpose and passion. When it does, you will never grow tired." Her message is one of resilience and faith, reminding others to "focus, pray, put in the work."
Ultimately, Manyapetsa sees her story as one of perseverance. "We cannot afford to ever give up until we are content with where we have gotten." She believes that success comes from relentlessly working toward your goals, never being afraid to be seen trying. "That is how the most iconic people got iconic; by trying until they got what they wanted or until they were content."
Despite her success on the pageantry stage, Manyapetsa reveals that she will no longer be auditioning for any future pageants. "The pageantry platform has served its purpose in my life. I am moving on to new things," she declares, marking the end of an era and the start of a new chapter in her life.
That new chapter centers around ToroNtle Organization, her "God-given purpose." She explains that charity has always been a part of her life, deeply rooted in the values her parents instilled in her. "I just formalized it to make a legacy out of it," she says. ToroNtle focuses on charitable deeds, youth development, and mindset change, working to address social issues and uplift communities.
"For me, patriotism makes it difficult to give up," says Manyapetsa, as she reflects on her journey. "I would love to one day represent my beautiful country and sell it to the world." But while her love for Botswana fuels her dreams, she confesses that it is not enough to keep her going. “The dream alone is not enough motivation, so God has been a huge push for me. I trust the plan God has for me.”
Manyapetsa understands that her path is filled with trials, yet she views these challenges as an essential part of her growth. "I embrace the lessons and trials that come with the journey because that is what makes my story beautiful." This resilient mindset has given her confidence, allowing her to forge meaningful connections with fellow Batswana and build a platform to influence positive change.
Manyapetsa’s journey into pageantry began in childhood, nurtured by a family that encouraged her to dream. "I grew up in a family that allowed me to dream and nurtured every talent I showed interest in. Pageantry was one of the many things I just picked and ran with since primary school," she shares.
However, her love for pageantry has evolved beyond the competition. "It went from doing it because I enjoyed it to understanding how much it is aligned to my purpose of impacting lives and being a woman of substance." Through her experiences, she has learned that true woman empowerment is a slow process, one that requires careful nurturing and authentic intention.
“We have a long way to go as a country when it comes to woman empowerment because there is exploitation in the name of empowerment, and something truly has to be done about this,” she adds, hinting at the systemic challenges that remain.
One of the key aspects of her philanthropic work is mindset change. Manyapetsa highlights how training from BW Mindset Change coordinators has helped her lead initiatives with intention. "The first session I did was through ToroNtle, where we hosted a bonfire session for the youth, and the concept of mindset change was among the topics we interacted on."
Her efforts are far from isolated, Manyapetsa seamlessly intertwines her work in philanthropy, modeling, and beauty pageantry to create a unified approach to social change. "I have never felt like the things I do are separate entities. Each waters the other," she reflects.
Collaborations with local brands, such as Bijoux, which donated shoes to her charity, further exemplifies how she uses her modeling platform to benefit her philanthropic goals. "It has not necessarily changed my approach, but it has contributed to helping me get my advocacy works done."
Manyapetsa has her sights set on even greater goals. "I would love to work with brands like BK Proctor, Prince Tom, Urban Soul, Le Africa, LUCARA, and Bloom Sanitary Pads," she shares, all companies that share her patriotic vision.
Education remains a priority for her, who dreams of pursuing a PhD and starting a pageantry academy to train young girls. "I would like to write a book at some point in my life," she adds, hinting at the possibility of sharing her story in the written word.
Throughout her journey, Manyapetsa has drawn inspiration from others, including Mpule Kwelagobe, whose dedication to community development she admires. "In philanthropy, it is definitely my parents. They are the kindest, most loving people I know."
As she moves forward, she offers advice for anyone pursuing a passion. "Whatever you do, may it align with your purpose and passion. When it does, you will never grow tired." Her message is one of resilience and faith, reminding others to "focus, pray, put in the work."
Ultimately, Manyapetsa sees her story as one of perseverance. "We cannot afford to ever give up until we are content with where we have gotten." She believes that success comes from relentlessly working toward your goals, never being afraid to be seen trying. "That is how the most iconic people got iconic; by trying until they got what they wanted or until they were content."
