06 Mar 2022

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and First Lady Neo, yesterday hosted Botswana’s hope at the Miss World Pageant Palesa Molefe at State House, on Sunday to bid her farewell and wish her the best as she will be departing for the finale scheduled for March 16 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“I pronounce you Miss World,” said Dr Masisi as he wished Palesa the best. Dr Masisi said Molefe displayed unsurpassed confidence throughout the competition all the way to the grand finale, and urged her to maintain the momentum to the end.

He said she also presented a positive mindset, followed the rules of the competition to a tee, hence her taking and beating whatever the competition threw at her.

That same atitude would be her lasting success, as it would open up opportunities for her, he said. “We are completely behind you. You will never fall,” he said Dr Masisi said Molefe was a true reflection of what a Motswana could achieve by being truthful to what they were in terms of their upbringing, culture and character.

He commended the queen’s mother Mercy for her positive upbringing as well as community and government support through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development.

He congratulated Minister Tumiso Rakgare and his ministry for unearthing youth talent, and encouraged them to ensure that the beauty queen received full support so she may lack nothing in her pursuit of the world crown.

For her part, the first lady described Palesa as the most beautiful woman on earth and deserving of the crown.

She said Palesa was not only a beauty queen, but also motivation to her peers and the nation as a whole.

The beauty queen, she said, had played a profound role in the fight against gender-based violence.

“We saw and heard what you have been communicating to us throughout the race to the world crown. We thank God that your journey has been safe and truthful. Go out there and own the world stage and make us proud,” said the first lady.

Meanwhile, Minister Rakgare who said he had no doubt Palesa would bring the crown home, encouraged her to stay the course, and enjoy the competition.

Appreciating the gesture by the first couple, Palesa indicated that the country had an abundance of potential that needed unearthing.

“I am a true reflection of what our nation can offer and therefore we must continue searching for more rough diamonds,” she said. She appreciated the support she had been receiving since the start of the competition.

“Your support has proved that we are united and determined to win as a team,” she said.

As she will be walking the world’s most watched beauty stage, Palesa believes she will not be alone. Right besides her, will be the support and goodwill of a nation eager to make its mark in world events. And she is ready to romp home with the crown. BOPA