Time for Chombo
From being doubted by her nation to Miss World contender, Miss World - Botswana, Lesego Chombo’s moment of shining has finally arrived. Chombo will tomorrow carry the hopes of a nation, as she goes through the last hurdle before the crowning moment. But her journey has not been all smooth sailing. When she took the coveted title of Miss Botswana, she found herself having to navigate and emerge from her predecessor, Palesa Molefe’s shadows.
The pressure of being compared to the bubbly Palesa was huge for Chombo.
The weight of expectations loomed large, revealing the challenges she faced in winning the hearts of her community. Nonetheless, Chombo embarked on a journey to redefine beauty in her terms, showcasing her distinctive talents and resilience in the face of skepticism. Undeterred, Chombo, in an exclusive interview with Mmegi, shared her determination. “I am more than just a replacement, I am my own person with my own strengths and talents.”
“I knew it would not be easy following in Palesa’s footsteps, but I was up to the challenge. I wanted to show everyone that I am more than just a replacement, I am my own person with my own strengths and talents,” she said. At the time, the nation was still hanging up on Palesa and did not even notice Chombo’s work behind the scenes.
She quietly worked her way through to prove her critics and supporters alike wrong. Chombo worked tirelessly to promote the causes close to her heart, such as her beauty with purpose project ‘Genesis Project’ that she says its role is to empower disadvantaged children.
As the Miss World competition progresses, Chombo has been making history with her stunning performances and remarkable poise and suddenly the nation has taken notice and is now fully behind her. As such, her confidence and belief have rubbed on her people back home. She expressed her confidence and determination to bring the Miss World crown home to Botswana. She stated: “I have worked hard to get to this point, and I believe that I have what it takes to win.
I am ready to showcase the beauty, grace, and strength of Botswana on a global stage,” she said. Meanwhile, Benjamin Raletsatsi, the director of Miss Botswana, also believes in Chombo’s potential to win the Miss World contest. Speaking at the Miss World Botswana conference in Gaborone on Tuesday, he said they expect nothing but victory.
“She has already achieved so much at the competition, and I have no doubt that she will continue to impress us,” Raletsatsi said. “We are thrilled to see what Lesego is doing on a world stage. She has worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and I have no doubt that she will make us all proud,” he added.
The moment of reckoning has arrived, and Saturday could be the defining moment for her as she vies for the prestigious Miss World crown. The time is now for Chombo to wear the crown!