Lerato Matheka
MASERU — Lesotho’s representative ‘Masefo Mokoma failed to make it to the top three at the Miss Southern Africa beauty pageant in Zambia on Saturday.
The competition coincided with the 47th Zambia International Trade Fair.
Mokoma competed in the competition against eight other girls from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania.
Tanzian beauty, Nelly Kamwelu, was crowned Miss Southern Africa.
Mokoma was nowhere near the top three.
The 20-year-old beauty however told Xpress People that she learnt a lot during her short stay in Zambia.
“I had the most interesting time of my life despite losing. I arrived three days later than all the other girls so I missed most of the stages which made me lose points,” Mokoma said.
“I also realised that with proper support and financial backing winning is not really a big challenge because there is motivation to work harder.”
Mokoma said she arrived late because she had to travel to Lusaka by bus, a gruelling journey that sapped her energy.
She said she would want to organise a workshop for all the beauties who may want to take their talent abroad.
“I want to organise a workshop that will help educate and inform other girls of the challenges they are likely to face when they participate at international pageants.”
Face of Lesotho national director, Tlali Tlali, accompanied Mokoma to the pageant.
Tlali said he was happy because Lesotho was now visible on the international modelling map.
“The pageant was held at the Zambian International Trade Fair and there were over 20 African countries and other international countries so we are happy with the exposure we received as a developing country in the industry.”
“There were international photographers who hinted their interest in exploring the talent Lesotho has to offer,” Tlali said.
He added that the president of the United Nations Pageant System, a body representing all global beauty competition, was making plans to visit Lesotho.
“He is coming to see our challenges because he says he doesn’t understand why we are struggling to fully and actively participate in all international pageants,” Tlali said.
“We hope his visit will help sensitise the local business sector in taking part in the development of the modelling industry.”
Mokoma became the fourth beauty queen to be sponsored by Face of Lesotho to take part in regional and international pageants
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