By Mohalenyane Phakela
EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Lebohang Ramphikeng, who was crowned Miss NUL Freshers 2014 has vowed to use her position to make a positive contribution to her community.
Ramphikeng, who clinched the prestigious title on Friday, beat six other competitors at the National University of Lesotho’s (NUL) Netherlands hall, with Mahlape Mohapi and Mosa Alotsi clinching the 1st and 2nd princess accolade respectively.
Born and bred in Ha-Tsolo, Ramphikeng is a first year Bachelor of Arts in Social Work student at NUL.
The Miss NUL Freshers 2014 was organised by the institute’s Student Representative Committee and only open to first year students and held on an annual basis. The idea behind the pageant is to welcome freshman students to the university.
The contestants were tested on whether there was brains behind the obvious beauty. Among the questions asked was their opinion regarding the wearing of bikinis was recently banned in international pageants to which was mixed reactions. The panel of judges included model Mojabeng Senekal, who was relinquishing the crown to the winner, and is the reigning Miss Personality.
Ramphikeng had competed in a pageant before, and was even crowned Miss St James Anglican last year when she was in Form E. However, it did not stop the jitters since she was determined to win.
“The competition was tight, as my contenders were so beautiful and gifted,” Ramphikeng said, after winning the crown.
“I believe the confidence I exuded and the way I answered the judges’ questions were the keys to my success.
“I believe the Miss NUL Freshers 2014 crown is going to open many doors for me in the modelling industry.”
Ramphikeng also said she intends to be fully engaged in social responsibility activities, such as volunteering to assist at children and old age homes.
“I want to be an inspiration to the other girls so that they understand pageants are not just about the looks but brains too,” said the beaming beauty.
“Everyone can take part in a pageant, what matters is the determination and the way one presents themselves on the stage.” The entertainment was well catered for with rappers Jiji F, Megahertz and Sthola rousing the crowd while DJ Turbo and Mekonko were the deejays for the night.
