08 May 2022

Government fully supports the Miss Botswana organiser’s endeavour to host Miss World pageant.

Speaking at a home coming ceremony for Miss Botswana, Palesa Molefe in Mochudi on Saturday, Vice President Slumber Tsogwane said the efforts were in line with the government’s intention to host major international events.

He said hosting international events like the recent Forbes Under 30 summit, which was held in Africa for the first time, would put the country on the international stage. 

“Our dream is to host all major international events and we will do everything possible to make it possible,” he said.

Tsogwane said government also supported Palesa, that is why the President hosted her before her departure to the Miss World.

He said the whole nation was proud of the young beauty, who had Batswana rallying behind her.

Despite not being crowned Miss World, her beauty, intelligence and humbleness captured the attention of the Miss World organisers, hence they gave Botswana an opportunity to bid for the annual event.

The Vice President said Palesa had made a legacy for herself and the country, acknowledging that it was not easy to prepare for the international stage. 

He also applauded Joy Setshedi of Joy Foundation for organising and hosting Palesa’s home coming event and her role in community development.

In her remarks, Setshedi said she organised the event to appreciate Palesa’s efforts and also to give young girls an opportunity to interact and learn from her.

She said the aim of Joy Foundation was to empower the community, especially the youths through culture, sports and art.

Further, she plans to develop a 130-bed cancer hospital and her hope is for it to be operational next year. 

For his part, Benjamin Raletsatsi of Miss Botswana said Palesa had put Botswana at an advantage to host the international pageant, which could benefit the country through revenue.

In his welcome remarks, deputy kgosi of Bakgatla, Kgosi Bana Sekai urged Palesa to continue using her talents to develop and empower herself. 

Palesa thanked everyone for the support they gave her.

Also in attendance were Members of Parliament; Mabuse Pule and Mmusi Kgafela for Mochudi East and Mochudi West respectively as well as the Minister of Finance, Peggy Serame.

Still at the party, funds were raised for Palesa to help her with activities and Tsogwane pledged P5 000 towards the projects. ends