She is bright, brilliant, and articulate-undoubtedly a star in the making! 10-year-old Kimberly Matheakgomo was crowned the first ever Miss Junior Idol World 2021/2022 in Thailand.
Considering her poise, brilliance, and charming personality, it’s truly not surprising that she tugged at the heartstrings of so many on an international level.
Upon her return from handing over the crown in Thailand, Celeb edition met with the elegant young belle to learn more about her experience as an international pageant queen.
Kindly please introduce yourself.
Protocol is highly observed ladies and gentlemen.
My names are Duduetsang Kimberly Matheakgomo, a 10-year-old girl who comes from Molapowabojang Village.
I go to Dawn-Bell Academy.
What do you do?
I am a lot of things but mainly a beauty pageant queen.
I was crowned Miss Junior Idol World 2021/2022 in Thailand.
When did you get into pageantry?
I got into pageantry when I was five years old in 2018.
Have you always wanted to be a pageant girl?
I always have!
My parents did not force me into anything but I’m the one that approached them and told them this dream of mine.
They have been very supportive in making it a reality and I will forever be grateful.
How far do you intend on going with pageantry?
I am very passionate about pageantry however, when I grow up I want to be a doctor so I don’t think that I will continue with pageantry.
I love helping people, which was initially my reason for going into this- it provided me with a platform where I can easily access those in need.
What was the experience like?
It has been an amazing journey being Miss Junior Idol World 2021/2022.
I have learnt so much from interacting with different people and just being recognized as the queen was a great honor.
Experiencing the Thai culture was a lot of fun as well, it is a completely different world from the one I am used to in Botswana.
Tell us about that moment when you were announced as the winner.
Goodness, It was amazing!
I could not believe it when they called out Botswana!
It was honestly a dream come true and that is the moment I will never forget.
Did you anticipate your win?
Not at all!
Mostly because so many things were going wrong which was stressful.
We did not have enough money to pay for the registration and as a result, I got to Thailand later than everyone else.
I was not as prepared as everyone else and I did not have as much time to make friends.
Additionally, the other girls were so much taller and lighter than me so it was intimidating.
Who is your role model?
I do not believe in role models, I believe in being the best version of myself.
Do you ever get nervous before going on stage?
I do not get nervous because I am doing something that I am used to and love.
What do you do to overcome nerves?
As I said, I hardly get nervous.
However, in order to avoid nerves, I pray before I do anything, this helps me a lot by giving me confidence.
Your favourite piece of clothing?
I love the evening gown dress that I wore when I was competing in Thailand.
It reminds me of my accomplishment.
Heels or sneakers?
I go for heels, I am used to them, they make me tall and when I am wearing them I walk with authority and an aura of elegance.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
If I could have superpowers, I would want healing powers.
I would use them to instantly heal people with one touch.
I would also like to be invisible.
Five things people don’t know about you?
1. I love dancing
2. I am a football fanatic
3. When I was in Thailand, I made up my own language. They enjoyed the fact that I couldn’t understand them so I formulated my own language which they could not understand.
4. I have a sister who is also a pageant queen. Her name is Katlego Matheakgomo. She is the reigning Miss Pree Teen Hope International Botswana.
5. My sister and I have a dance academy.
