Chris Theko
In a night filled with elegance, anticipation, and national pride, 24-year-old Refiloe Makoae was crowned Miss Lesotho 2024.
The coronation, held at the prestigious Victory Hall in Maseru last Saturday, saw Makoae take the reins from her predecessor, Lerato Masila. The ceremony was graced by notable attendees, including Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso and Her Royal Highness Princess Senate Seeiso, adding a regal touch to the evening.
Makoae, who had previously held the title of Miss Maseru 2022, emerged victorious after a pageant that celebrated not only beauty but also talent, intelligence, and dedication to community service. The newly crowned queen expressed her gratitude and excitement in her acceptance speech, vowing to serve her country with passion and purpose.
“I am deeply honored to hold this title and promise to use this platform to positively impact my country,” Makoae stated, her voice filled with emotion. She described the win as a long-held dream finally coming true, noting that it had been a goal she had prayed and worked toward for years.
Makoae outlined her vision for her reign, focusing on empowering young Basotho through skill development, education, and self-sufficiency. Her experience as a soccer player, a sport she credited with shaping her confidence and approach to life, will also be a key part of her mission.
“I want to use this platform to inspire, influence, support, and uplift young Basotho through different interventions that will help them unlock their fullest potential,” she said, underscoring her commitment to sports as a tool for empowerment.
As Miss Lesotho 2024, Makoae received a prize package valued at M45,000, including an initial cash deposit of M2,500 sponsored by Lesotho PostBank.
Beyond the financial rewards, she was granted a coveted three-month paid internship at Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL), an opportunity that promises to provide valuable professional experience.
Other prizes included a temporary stay at Scenery Guesthouse, unlimited transport courtesy of Global Cabs, and a Huawei Nova smartphone and tablet worth M15,000.
The coronation event, organized by New Era Events, was widely hailed as a success. The evening was a glamorous affair, with dazzling performances adding to the excitement. Mabahlakoana Mosola, representing New Era Events, expressed satisfaction with how the evening unfolded. “We are happy with the outcome and hope that all our patrons were happy too. We have met our expectations and are proud of the work we’ve done,” she said.
However, Mosola acknowledged that growth is always part of the journey, adding: “We always know that there is room for improvement, and we look forward to what the future holds.”
One of the unique twists in this year’s event was the inclusion of four contestants from the past four years, who joined the eight finalists to compete for the prestigious Aloe Era Crown. It was a reminder that Miss Lesotho is not just a competition but a celebration of resilience, growth, and ongoing service.
As the crown was passed on, the outgoing Miss Lesotho, Lerato Masila, was also honored for her impactful reign. Her tenure was marked by her dedication to advocating for young women and championing various causes, leaving a legacy for Makoae to build upon.
With her newfound role, Refiloe Makoae now embarks on a journey to represent Lesotho on the national and international stage. Her reign promises to be one of ambition, grace, and a deep sense of responsibility as she steps into her role with dedication and a clear vision for the future.
