Lerato Matheka
MASERU — Rorisang Molefe who was crowned Miss University Africa in Nigeria last week received a heroine’s welcome when she arrived back home on Wednesday.
Molefe, who beat 43 other contestants to lift the crown, was welcomed at Moshoeshoe I International Airport by her family, sponsors, local beauties and government dignitaries.
A welcome ceremony was later held at Lesotho Sun Hotel.
Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing, Trade Minister Temeki Tšolo and his deputy Sekh’ulumi Ntsoaole and deputy speaker of parliament, Lekhetho Rakuoane, attended the ceremony.
Tšolo congratulated Molefe adding he almost refused to sanction the trip for his deputy to accompany her because “there was a lot of noise on why a minister should accompany a beauty queen to a competition”.
He added: “This is an industry bigger than the norm attached to it and it needs support to grow and benefit the country.”
Tšolo said the modelling industry is a pillar of international investment development.
Ntsoaole said modelling is an industry that needs government support to benefit the country.
“The ministers of gender, sports and recreation, tourism environment and culture and trade and industry, marketing and cooperatives should come together to formulate a working structure that will help nurture Lesotho’s talents so that we have a nation ready for the future,” he said.
He urged the government to increase the ministries’ budgets in order to help cultivate talent.
Molefe’s grandfather, Michael Molefe, said he was startled when he learned of her granddaughter’s victory.
“I learned through the internet and I was surprised that one of our own had made not only us but the whole country proud. I am very proud of Rorisang,” he said.
He encouraged the government to continue supporting talent in the country.
“Rorisang is an example of the rich talent and potential Lesotho possesses.”
He advised local beauties to always maintain good behaviour for a brighter future.
Comments are closed.