Miss Botswana 2021/22 Palesa Molefe commanded the world’s attention the minute she stepped on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico for the 70th edition of Miss World, Time Out has established.
Stealing the hearts of many with her ululating (mogolokwane) skills and brilliant responses at the Miss World head-to-head challenges, beauty pageant analysts were soon saying how Molefe has proved to be a strong contender for the coveted crown, hoisting the Botswana flag high in the process.
She has been a marvel to watch whenever she gives viewers around the world a peek into exclusive behind-the-scenes snippets of the Miss World pageant. So far, she has made mogolokwane (ululating) her signature and has been guiding other contestants to greet the world in Setswana caught on camera.
Miss Botswana organisers have said in an interview that they believe the queen is ready for the grand finale on 16 December 2021, thanks to her wholehearted participation in all Miss World boot camp activities where she has performed well.
“She is super grateful to Batswana for all the love and support they have given her,” said one of the organisers, Kaone Moremong. “Her ultimate message has always been the same – believe in yourself and trust that with hard work your dreams can come true.”
Molefe’s journey would have been impossible without proper mentoring and guidance of the Miss Botswana team, as well as stylists and fashion designers who make sure that she looks nothing less than stunning in all her appearances. But Moremong and her colleagues are not saying much about Miss Botswana’s ensemble for the grand finale except emphasising that she will look like a visitation from heaven.
However, they are letting it known that Molefe will be kitted out by Botocy and Faddic. Faddic is one of Botswana’s fashion designers of acclaim who leaves no style stone unturned in her work. Prolific fashion house Botocy, owned by Botho Chalebgwa, is sought after everywhere across the country for its fun yet functional designs inspired by the diversity of women and their different daily roles that add to the essence of woman.
Meanwhile, the CEO of Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), Keletsositse Olebile, handed over the Botswana National Gift for Miss Botswana to second Princess Marang Makhoana. Brand Botswana supported the pageant with a diamond encrusted neckpiece made by local jeweller Boitshoko Kebakile of House of Divinity.
The neckpiece was subsequently sent to Molefe in Puerto Rico where she will present it to the Miss World Organisation as a gift from her country. Aptly named “Lebopo” for the World or the Universe, the elegant yet minimalistic neckpiece was handcrafted from fine silver and diamonds. The name is also an ode to Botswana’s key sectors of the economy, mining and tourism.
The piece captures the story of a nation that lives in harmony with nature and one keen about sustainable exploitation of its natural resources for which it is thankful to God. “The piece is Botswana’s gift to the Miss World Organization,” Moremong explained. “The proceeds of all country gifts go to the Beauty With a Purpose Fund.”
Ululating Queen makes Headway before Miss World Grand Finale
