Hats off for Palesa!
Palesa Molefe might not have succeeded to bring the Miss World crown home, but the reigning Miss Botswana queen has won our hearts, writes
Inspired by her beauty, bubbliness and confidence, Batswana had braved the cold early morning breeze on Thursday to watch the Miss World crowning moment. However, it was a heartbreak for MmaMpale as Molefe is popularly known and Batswana when she failed to make the cut for the top 12.
Poland’s Karolina Bielawska was subsequently crowned Miss World 2021 while Shree Saini of USA and fan favourite of Côte d’Ivoire, Olivia Yacé, were named first and second runners up respectively.
With her beauty and energy, Palesa had dared the nation to dream. For the first time in many years, Botswana’s representative at an international pageantry had the nation so united in support of the participant. Just like Palesa, Batswana were geared up and excited for this day.
Even when Emma Wareus was named first runner up to Miss World in 2010, she had never had so much support. She had done it in a low key, with fewer expectations. But the buzz amongst Batswana prior to the Miss World had shown that the 23-year-old Molefe was indeed a force to reckon with.
From the first stint at Miss
World last year, the bald and beautiful actress from Mochudi had made everyone believe that she was destined for greatness.
During her first stint, Molefe was placed on overall third with over 18 million likes in the Miss World Multimedia Challenge on Mobstarm raising the expectations even higher that it can happen again for a spot in the top 12 final.
While that did not happen, from all corners of Botswana, Batswana were in support of the reigning Miss Botswana queen. From the Office of the President led by President Mokgweetsi Masisi to all political formations, Molefe had become the nation’s darling. Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) had also taken her on a tour across Botswana.
Despite her loss, Palesa has clearly won the nation’s heart judging by messages of comfort for her. Of course the nation is disappointed but it is also clear that they are proud of Molefe’s achievement.
She might not have gotten the crown, but hats off to her. MmaMpale did her best. She will forever be remembered for daring a young nation to dream of a queen’s title.