By Mohalenyane Phakela
MASERU — Nineteen-year-old stunner, Mamahlape Matsoso, has been invited to take part in the 63rd edition of the Miss World contest to be held in Indonesia in September.
Matsoso came second in the Face of Lesotho 2012/13 competition held in June.
The Miss World contest will be held on September 28.
This will be the first time that the contest will be held in Southeast Asia.
According to organisers this will be the first edition of the Miss World without the Bikini event as it will be held in a strictly Moslem country.
The organisers said they will replace the “Beach Fashion” with “Balinese Beach Fabric”.
Matsoso will be up against 133 other contestants from around the globe.
She is expected to be in Indonesia by September 3 for a tour of the country before the contest begins.
“I am so excited! It is every beauty queen’s dream to participate in the Miss World. I am quite nervous about the whole thing. I will be competing against people from different backgrounds,” she said.
“I have never been away from home for a long time. But I believe the tour will help me gain some confidence,” Matsoso told the Weekender on Tuesday.
Matsoso was born and bred in Abia in Maseru.
She is currently studying for a degree in humanities at the National University of Lesotho.
Matsoso said she began participating in beauty pageants from the age of 12 when she was still in primary school.
“My parents have always been by my side. Whenever I wanted to throw in the towel they would tell me to stay strong.”
She said she believes she has what it takes to be the queen.
“I believe that I possess the qualities of a goodwill ambassador, which are being a role model to the youth by helping the less fortunate,” she said.
“Being the Second Princess of the Face of Lesotho helped me to engage in different kinds of charity work. I have helped raise funds for destitute children.”
When asked if the title had changed her life, she said: “I may have a lot of responsibilities but I still remain the same person.”
“I always urge people to remain themselves, follow their dreams and believe in whatever they do. No matter how many obstacles you encounter, remain positive,” she said.
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