07 Sep 2026

Opening with a public apology to the nation, Miss World Botswana, Ruth Thomas took to Facebook to express her heartache, saying “I am deeply sorry Batswana” after failing to secure a spot in the Top 40 at the 73rd Miss World grand finale in Vietnam on Saturday. 

The vulnerable post reflected the immense weight of national pride she carried, balancing personal grief of an unfulfilled dream with deep ache of feeling as though she had let her country down after months of exhaustive preparations.

Yet, despite the painful outcome, Thomas’ campaign was defined by remarkable strides on the global stage. 

She consistently put Botswana in the spotlight throughout the preliminary rounds, securing a place among the Top 24 in the Sports Challenge, advancing to the Top 60 in Top Model, finishing among the Top Six in Africa and forming part of the winning team in the opening round of the Head Chef Beauty Challenge.

For her showstopping finale look, Thomas walked the stage in a Delayna Scott creation, a silver gown embellished with intricate pearl detailing and 60 diamonds, courtesy of Lucara, in honour of 60 years of Botswana’s independence.

While the diamond gown could not secure a top-tier finish, Thomas’ campaign successfully took Botswana’s story, resilience and culture to the world stage, leaving a legacy of patriotic pride that far outshined her final placement.

For her talent audition, she wore a striking MET Designs burnt-orange outfit featuring dramatically long and floor-length sleeve drapes, complemented by a dark brown leather corset belt decorated with cowrie shells, beads and braided fringe. 

She paired the look with a thick stack of traditional wooden beads while holding one of the country’s famous hand-woven baskets overhead.

Her wardrobe choices continually honoured local craftsmanship and history. Another ensemble by MET Designs featured a cultural staple, a royal blue leteisi with a voluminous makgabe design and matching traditional headwrap. 

She also stepped out in a Funky Resy leteisi suit, followed by a custom gown inspired by Kgosi Mosadi Seboko. The dress celebrated women’s empowerment.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old Joheirry Mola of the Dominican Republic was crowned the 73rd Miss World, with Elisabeth Reynés of Spain and Taanusiya Chetty of Malaysia named first runner-up and second runner-up, respectively. South Africa’s Romanda Hombir was announced as this year’s Miss World Africa. ends