Hirchfield noted that unlike previous years, the 2026 grand finale will feature a top eight instead of the usual top ten finalists. 

The top eight contestants will first be unveiled this coming Sunday during the Miss Millennium High Tea event, one of several activation activities leading to the main show.

She explained that this year’s High Tea will double as a toiletry drive, with donations earmarked for a school within the Mogoditshane community as part of the pageant’s long-standing commitment to giving back. Hirchfield further expressed gratitude that the pageant has retained 99 percent of its annual sponsors, describing this as proof of the brand’s resilience despite the economic pressures facing the entertainment industry.

“This year’s event will be dynamic, impactful and unforgettable,” she said, adding that the evening will feature glitz, glamour and local entertainment, with popular musician Vee Mampeezy expected to headline the show.

Member of Parliament for Molepolole South, Shima Monageng, who is also founder of Millennium Jazz Restaurant, said more still needs to be done to support both the pageant and its reigning queens. He thanked government for sponsoring the Miss Millennium 2025 titleholder’s participation at the G20 engagement and encouraged women to embrace confidence and self-worth.

“At 20 years beauty is admired and at 50 years beauty is earned. It is about stepping forward with confidence and revealing the value you have already earned,” he said.

Miss Millennium 2025, Chedza Pansiri, shared a long list of initiatives undertaken during her reign, stressing that the pageant’s leadership extends far beyond the stage.  Among her projects were fundraising and coordination of the Khoisan Human Rights Cultural Commemoration initiatives benefiting communities across Botswana, a solar lighting installation project in Metsiamanong within the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and ongoing support programmes for Gamodubu Orphanage.

Her outreach also included educational material drives for disadvantaged learners and international representation of Botswana through diplomatic and cultural engagements, including global summits promoting youth innovation and the creative economy.

 An internationally recognised opera soloist, Pansiri also founded TswanOpera, a platform aimed at merging Botswana’s indigenous musical traditions with classical opera while advocating for preservation of indigenous instruments.

For their part, platinum sponsor Botswana Post, represented by Refilwe Moepeng, said the organisation continues to support contestants through its DigiPost device initiative. He explained that the device enabled women to resell Botswana Post services and earn commission, adding that this year the company would also provide contestants with virtual post boxes to enhance digital access and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Providing historical background, Miss Millennium 2008 and founder, Felicity Bogacu said the pageant was established in 2008 by a group of jazz enthusiasts who envisioned a competition celebrating women aged over 40. 

Since its inception, each crowned queen is required to spearhead a personal community project, reinforcing the pageant’s social responsibility mission. Bogacu confirmed that the upcoming edition marks the 18^th staging of the event. ENDS