07 Feb 2026

“If for any reason the winner is unable to fulfil her duties, the first runner-up will take her place” is a standard clause in most beauty pageant contracts worldwide.

Yet Dabilo Moses’s recent appointment as Miss Universe Botswana 2026, this past Saturday is not necessarily a reflection of that clause.

According to Miss Universe Botswana director, Safie Sekgwa, the new Queen’s reign was not a replacement of the now former Miss Universe Botswana 2025, Lillian Andries, but rather a direct appointment, decided solely by Sekgwa himself, for the titleholder to represent Botswana at the upcoming Miss Universe global competition scheduled for November in Puerto Rico.

He said the decision was meant to accommodate the organisation’s new format which, according to a press release issued on January 14, would require titleholders to reign for at least 10 months prior to their participation on the Miss Universe international stage.

While Miss Universe Botswana has in recent months been an organisation seemingly perpetually at the centre of controversy, Sekgwa explained that the new format formed part of a broader reputation management strategy that would also hold titleholders more accountable.

During the 10-month tenure, Sekgwa explained, titleholders would have time to engage in community service, bond with citizens, and receive advanced training in areas such as public speaking, while also honing their leadership skills.

He further explained that for years, Miss Universe Botswana titleholders, once sworn in, have not had sufficient time to prepare for the international stage, placing immense pressure on the organisation to resource their journey within a limited timeframe, as the pageant operated as an entrepreneurship largely dependent on sponsorships.

Moreover, Sekgwa emphasised that without a direct appointment this year, Miss Universe Botswana would be forced to forfeit the competition and restart the process in 2027 to align with the new format.

The new format follows the announcement of Andries’s dethronement, last year December 24, of which via a press release issued on the same date, the organisation accused Andries of allegedly failing to attend multiple high-profile official engagements and for improperly involving external third parties, including government officials and politicians, in attempts to interfere with and pressure the organisation’s internal decision-making processes.

Sekgwa said he preferred not to dwell on the matter, as she was no longer associated with the brand.

He added that members of the public could access the reasons for her dethronement in the organisation’s press release accessible in the organisation’s social media platforms.

On why he saw Moses as the best candidate for the Miss Universe crown, Sekgwa said the decision was logical, given that she was already the first princess, and that it was within his right and duty as national director to identify and appoint a competitive representative.

“So, it’s not personal. Dabilo’s appointment is in the best interest of the brand and of the country. That’s the most important thing,” said Sekgwa, adding that Wangu Modise now assumed the position of first princess.

He noted that had Moses declined the appointment, another contestant would have been considered.

Addressing public backlash from those who feel alienated by the appointment of a titleholder without a traditional pageantry process, Sekgwa said that as an entrepreneur, he made the best possible decision given the circumstances.

On whether his decision could potentially damage the organisation’s credibility, Sekgwa said the opposite was true, noting that he was protecting the pageantry brand and maximising the power of beauty competitions.

He added that the continuation of Miss Universe Botswana 2027 auditions from last year would take place sometime in February and March.

“The number one quality we look for in our contestants is leadership. They must have a strong sense of leadership and be able to put themselves last and the country first,” he said. ENDS