09 Feb 2026

The new Queen’s reign is not a replacement of the now former Miss Universe Botswana 2025, Lillian Andries. It is rather a direct appointment for the new titleholder to represent Botswana at the upcoming Miss Universe global competition.

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 recently, is not necessarily a reflection of that clause.Miss Universe Botswana Director Sesafeleng Sekgwa clarified in an interview, just two days after Moses’s coronation.

According to Sekgwa, the new Queen’s reign is not a replacement of the now former Miss Universe Botswana 2025, Lillian Andries. It is rather a direct appointment for the titleholder to represent Botswana at the upcoming Miss Universe global competition scheduled for November 2026 in Puerto Rico.

Sekgwa said the decision was meant to accommodate the organisation’s new format, which, according to a press release issued on January 14, will 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 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 operates as an entrepreneurship largely dependent on sponsorships.

Moreover, Sekgwa emphasised that without 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 accuses Andries of allegedly failing to attend multiple high-profile official engagements.

The beauty queen is also cited 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 Andries was no longer associated with the brand. 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.

“ It is not personal. Dabilo’s appointment is in the best interest of the brand and of the country. That is the most important thing,” said Sekgwa, adding that Wangu Modise would assume 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 felt 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 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. BOPA