MASERU — Preparations for the Miss Vodacom PC FM beauty pageant went a gear up this week with 16 girls being nominated for the final round.
The beauty contest will be held at Manthabiseng Convention Centre on September 10.
The 16 finalists are Hlompo Ramorakane, Refiloe Makenete, Refiloe Pheku, Konesoang Setlai, Joyce Khajoane, ‘Manyakane Mokoena, Mosenyehi Motsomi, Kholu Lieta, Khahliso Khama, Rethabile Phakisi, ‘Mamosotho Tšeleli Lebohang Letuka, Polo Moshele, ‘Makhauta Mabolloane, Ntsoaki Nkuatsana and Liseloane Malelu.
They were nominated from an initial list of 34 beauties.
PC FM manager, Kholu Qhobela, told the Weekender that at least 51 girls had signed the registration forms signifying their intention to take part in the annual pageant.
She said the competition was open to girls who had not had children and have an academic qualification pass in COSC.
“A large number of girls had to be disqualified because they didn’t meet the requirements of the pageant,” Qhobela said.
She said the pageant’s standards have continued to improve over the years.
“This year is just amazing. We have 99 percent of
participants being tertiary students, one is a brilliant COSC student and one is working. Looking at the girls academically, this is the first time the pageant has a large number of tertiary students who are contestants,” she said.
Training will commence as early as Monday.
“We have invited skilled Basotho to train the girls so we are hoping to confirm the trainer as soon as Friday but training will start hopefully on Monday,” Qhobela said.
PC Fm marketing manager, Khauta Mpeqa, said they want the pageant to reach international standards.
“We are hoping to have a camp for the girls and celebrate the pageant for a month before the crowning night just like international pageants. But because of financial constraints we are forced to host the competition in one night.”
Mpeqa said most companies had cut their support citing the current global financial crisis.
Meanwhile, Tsabiso Letsoela, Vodacom Lesotho managing executive commercial, said the company tops up its support for the pageant every year.
He said the company last used approximately M290 000 for the pageant which included the car and other costs such as advertising.
“Sponsorship is never enough so Vodacom pledges an increase of support annually.
“The grand prize for the pageant is still a car but the model will be revealed in due course.”
Letsoela added: “We want the girls to see there is
something substantial about the pageant hence our decision to have a car as the grand prize.”
He said Vodacom was willing to pull back and allow the pageant to revert to its old name of Miss PC FM only if local companies are willing to pledge more than what they are offering.
“Vodacom is powering the pageant by at least 90 percent while other companies are coming in with smaller monies, but, we are willing to step back from the name only if other local companies put in substantial value to the competition,” Letsoela said.
The final list of the girls will be released for public voting as early as next week.
“The short message service (SMS) lines will be open to the public and allow them to vote for their favourite,” Letsoela said
He said the SMS campaign was introduced to add excitement around the pageant while sensitising the public about the pageant and the finalists.
