Mohalenyane Phakela
TWENTY-YEAR old stunner, Nthabisieng Tšenoli, strutted her stuff to victory during the second edition of the Miss Crown Royale pageant held at Maseru Preparatory School Hall on Sunday.
The Thetsane-born stunner beat eight other contenders to walk away with the sash and tiara, with Mamoshao Makhele and Maleshoane Nteka first and second runner-ups respectively. Limpho Letele (15) won the pageant’s Miss Teen category with Refiloe Kolobe and Matšeliso Khobotle the first and princesses respectively.
An elated Tšenoli, who takes over from Thotoane Motlomelo, said she would do her utmost to fulfill the mandate of the pageant. During her tenure, Motlomelo initiated a number of activities within her community to assist vulnerable children.
“I have attended pageants a number of times but this is my first time competing in one, and I believe the passion I have plus the confidence I oozed on stage gave me the edge over my competitors,” said Tšenoli who will be studying to become a nurse next year.
“I know I have big shoes to fill and I am ready for the challenge. I am also looking forward to changing people’s lives for the better.”
On her part, Letele, who is a Form C student at Methodist High School, said that the crown slipped through her fingers last year when she became the first princess. However, the Naledi-based stunner said she worked hard to prepare for the pageant, adding that the victory was the fruit of her labours.
“I can only hope that my never-say-die attitude will motivate others not to give up on their dreams,” she said.
The two winners were presented with M200 Feline Touch shopping vouchers and free transport home from Perfect Taxis who were among the pageant’s sponsors.
Miss Crown Royale is the brainchild of Molulela Monyake, Gladys Pelesa and Thakane Bereng who have competed in various international pageants. The pageant is meant to show that beauty is more than skin deep and also coincides with women’s month commemorations.
Unlike other beauty contests, Miss Crown Royale grades the contenders on their confidence, poise, body posture and public speaking skills rather than focusing primarily on their outward appearance.
In her remarks after relinquishing the crown, Motlomela urged the duo to be a source of inspiration and help those in need since the titles bring them closer to the community.
On behalf of the organisers, Monyake implored the winners to be more than just pretty faces keen only on photoshoots and catwalks but to become community leaders who contribute to people’s lives in different ways.
Also in attendance was Karabelo Mokoallo who was crowned Miss Humanity International in Barbados in 2011.
Mokoallo urged the contestants to never give up on their dreams saying she never thought she would represent Lesotho internationally, let alone winning the Miss Humanity International title. Mokoallo was also crowned Continental Queen of Africa and Beauty with a Mission. Locally, she clinched the Miss Lesotho Companies 2008, which was her first ever title, and was also the Miss Vodacom PC in 2009.
Entertainment was provided by Fata SepDz, Pearlucci, T Mech, Sthola, Etcetera, MSL and StepUp Dance Crew.
