. . . as BPAL forced to take loan for trip
Mohalenyane Phakela
SPONSORSHIP continues to dog the pageantry sector despite its acknowledged role in promoting the tourism industry among other benefits.
Beauty Pageants Association of Lesotho (BPAL) director, Tlali Tlali, revealed to the Weekender he had no choice but to get a loan to cover the travelling expenses of local contestant Mohau Mokotjomela who flew to Taiwan on Tuesday to compete in the Face of Beauty International 2014.
“We tried all means to get sponsors to come on board so that Mohau could market our country internationally, but this was not successful until we had to get a loan, Tlali said.
“It’s very sad that we still struggle to acquire sponsorship and our worries are far from over as we have another girl who has to compete in the upcoming Miss World pageant in London next month.”
The Face of Beauty International 2014 pageant, which is held in Taichung, Taiwan, will run from 29 October to 17 November. Following its inception in 2012, the Miss Teen Face of Beauty International has morphed to become the Face of Beauty International. In its third year running, over 60 ladies from around the world will face off for the ultimate prize.
Among the pageant’s aims is to empower the contestants to gain greater confidence in themselves through sharing knowledge, experiences and developing skills.
The 23-year-old Mokotjomela is the current reigning Face of Beauty Lesotho. She was born and bred in Mapoteng, Berea and works as a pharmacist at Tšepong Hospital.
“I feel so honored to have the privilege of representing my country on an international level,” said Mokotjomela on Tuesday.
“Although this is quite a challenge, as I will be contending with people from all over the world, I believe I have what it takes to bring the crown home.
“I may have a little experience in the pageants industry as this will be my forth contest, but I believe in myself and I am sure that I will definitely win the contest.”
