17 Nov 2025

At just nine-years-old, Masa Phodiso carries herself with the poise, determination, and cultural pride that seasoned beauty queens spend years trying to perfect.

What began as a simple, spontaneous entry into a local pageant at the age of five has transformed the Maun-born prodigy into one of Botswana’s youngest international cultural ambassadors and a rising force in global children’s pageantry.

A Standard 4 pupil at Disaneng Primary School in Maun, Masa is now synonymous with discipline and excellence, whether she is gliding down a runway, training other young models, leading litter-picking campaigns, or teaching vulnerable children how to bake, she radiates a confidence far beyond her years. 

Her leadership skills has evolved into an annual children’s pageant she co-founded in 2022, Miss Dawn of Confidence, which aims to build self-esteem among young participants.

Masa’s journey began quietly in 2021, said her mother, Gosetseone Phodiso, who recalled registering her daughter for the Maun Festive pageant. 

“Masa liked dressing up, she would wear my shoes and parade around the house so, we decided to give it a chance,” she said.

From that first second princess title, Masa’s rise was swift and exceptional. In 2022, she was crowned the queen for Maun Easter competition, followed by two more titles in 2023. 

Later that year, she represented Botswana at the Republic Continent International pageant in Quezon City, Philippines, returning home with a cluster of titles including Charity Princess of Africa 2023/2024, Multimedia Award Winner, and Second Princess for the Introduction Video Award.

Her trajectory reached new heights, when she once again represented Botswana at the Mini Miss Universe pageant in the Philippines, earning global recognition. Masa won Best Preliminary Interview (Beauty With Brains) and was second runners-up, marking a historic achievement for Botswana.

But beyond the crowns and global stages, she is a child with a remarkable drive for service. She runs a community project titled: Baking with Masa; Hope for the Future, where she teaches cooking and baking skills to orphans and vulnerable children. 

“The project has earned awards and admiration because it gives children a sense of belonging and confidence,” her mother said.

Masa is also an environmental advocate who leads regular litter-picking campaigns and speaks to her peers about taking care of the environmental. 

“We need to take good care of our environment so it can sustain us for many years,” she said.

In addition to her projects, she trains aspiring young models, passing on the discipline, posture, and presentation skills she has mastered. 

“It is our responsibility to take our country to greater heights and ensure the legacy we leave behind is meaningful,” she shared.

Her most recent international appearance was at the Africa Heritage Fashion Show in Harare, Zimbabwe, where she showcased designs inspired by Botswana’s cultural identity, an artistic blend of leatherwork, traditional motifs, wildlife illustrations, and imagery of the Okavango Delta.

“I went to Zimbabwe to showcase pieces that narrate Botswana’s cultural landscape and celebrate our identity as a nation,” she said. 

Despite her busy schedule, Masa remains a child with dreams and her next ambition is to soar even higher, literally, as she hopes to become a pilot. ENDS