By Lerato Matheka
MASERU — Karabelo Mokoallo was yesterday on the tenterhooks as the Miss World crowning day beckoned.
The winner of the global title will be crowned on Saturday in China’s southern city of Sanya.
Karabelo, Lesotho’s third ever representative in the Miss World pageant, said nerves were jangling as the crowning moment inched closer.
“I have never seen such tension,” the 23-year-old beauty queen told the Weekender by e-mail from China.
“Some girls are already giving up while others are confident of success.”
Out of the 120 contestants in China, only 25 will make it to the finals.
Winners of the Miss World pageant’s sub-titles — Beach Beauty, Miss Sport, Top Model and Miss Talent — have automatically made it to the top 10 for the big day.
Karabelo took part in all four but did not win.
Yesterday she was however still hopeful of making the grade if she won the Beauty with a Purpose contest, which is also part of the Miss World pageant.
“Though there is so much pressure among the girls, I am still hopeful,” Karabelo said.
“I am participating in all competitions to increase my chances of being among the final girls.
“The number of top finalists has been increased from 15 to 25 and with the support I am receiving from Basotho, I am confident I will be among the top girls.
“The last critical competition within the pageant is Beauty with a Purpose, a competition that is determined by the charity work of beauties from their home countries and I am hoping to be among the top winners.”
Karabelo said her month-long stay in China had been an awesome experience.
“I was not sure of what to expect from the journey but now I am having the most wonderful time of my life,” she said.
“I saw God’s grace in my life as he led me to China and gave me strength.”
The Butha-Buthe native said even if she failed to win the title or make it to the top 25, she would always cherish the experience of taking part in the world’s most prestigious beauty pageant.
“We have shared contacts with the girls and when we go back to our respective countries, I believe we will stay in touch and continue the friendship,” she added.
“We are going to go back to our countries as great women with a higher passion of making a positive impact in our countries.”
