24 Jul 2025

The national director of Little Miss & Miss Teen Universe has appealed to potential sponsors and the public for monetary  support to enable three contestants compete in the global spectacle billed for Manila, Philippines next month.

The support will enable the trio, 17-year-old Ayanda Moalosi of Francistown and a Maun duo of Masa Phodiso and Leano Morris, aged eight and 11, respectively realise their dreams of   competing the second edition of the Little Miss & Miss Teen Universe pageant on August 13 to 17. In an interview on yesterday, the national director Gosetseone Phodiso said time was not on their side as the team will be leaving the country on August 10.  

She said financial constraints to cover expenses associated with the trio’s participation at the pageant was a challenge that should be addressed without further delays. Phodiso said the contestants who are not rookies in pageantry needed flight tickets and costumes, which included a national costume depicting the traditional clothing specific to participating countries.

“National costumes attract a lot of marks in beauty pageants, as such our contestants must wear creative clothing that will stand out and impress the eyes of the judges.” 

She re-emphasised that national clothing not only boosted the chances of winning but also showcased what Botswana offers. She said despite some companies having previously pledged to support the contestants, they reneged on the eleventh hour, disrupting preparations. Phodiso said efforts to raise funds were made but fell short to cover all expenses hence the appeal. 

Shedding light on the background of the contestants, Phodiso said they were not new in the beauty pageant industry as they had participated and emerged victorious in various competitions locally subsiquent to their selection for the Little Miss & Miss Teen Universe pageant.

“We do scout among all local queens around the country and identify those who can represent the country internationally. While physical appearance is a component, we also emphasise other qualities such as intelligence, communication skills and a strong personality.”

She said beauty contestants should be well-rounded individuals who possessed both physical appeal and intellect.Concerning the eight-year-old Masa, she said she had previously made the country proud through participation on the international stage where she received accolades for her charity work in Botswana.

She said the young girl was crowned Little Miss Republic Continent International and Charity Princess of Africa in 2023 in Philippines, where she had also scooped an award for the best introduction video on tourism. She has been involved in community activities including donations and youth empowerment initiatives, one of which Phodiso said was a recent sanitary pads donation to Maun Senior Secondary School. ENDS