Chris Theko
The highly anticipated Mr and Miss Teen Lesotho 2024 pageant is set to take place on December 7, 2024, at the Victory Hall in Maseru.
The event, which has become a symbol of youth empowerment and leadership in the country, will see a new king and queen crowned, marking a significant moment in the lives of the contestants.
The 2024 coronation promises a vibrant celebration of talent, intellect, and social awareness, with finalists competing in categories such as cultural expression, public speaking, and leadership challenges. The initiative seeks to inspire young Basotho to lead change within their communities, fostering future leaders with purpose and vision.
“Mr and Miss Teen Lesotho is not just about beauty; it is a platform for nurturing leadership and resilience,” said Dylan Phori, the pageant’s director. “Our goal is to highlight the strength, commitment, and potential of Lesotho’s youth while empowering them to become role models for their peers,” Phori added.
Under the “Teen with Heart” program, each contestant is required to undertake a community project addressing social or economic challenges. This initiative showcases their ability to approach real-world issues with creativity and impact, offering judges and audiences a glimpse into their potential as agents of change.
Phori noted that the event remains inclusive, with no strict criteria for body structure or height, nationality is the sole requirement for entry. “Our past contestants have proven that dedication and passion for the platform matter more than anything else,” he said.
Phori took over the directorship of the pageant in 2019 but due to the Covid-19 pandemic there was no coronation until 2021 when Nelly Talanyane won the Miss Teen Lesotho. She handed over the crown to Emily Matlanyane in 2022 who ended her reign in 2023 when Litlhare Lenkoe won the title.
It was not until 2023 when the pageant’s organisers decided to incorporate the Mr Teen into the coronation with Monyane Taabe being crowned the first Mr Teen Lesotho.
In addition to the competition, the event will feature Mr and Miss Teen Universe Botswana amongst guests of honour, as well as Miss Teen Gaborone. The pageant will also serve as a fundraising initiative for various youth-focused projects in Lesotho, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility.
The Mr and Miss Teen Lesotho is still one of the pageants without a strict selection criterion in terms of body structure or height with nationality being the only condition.
“We have been lucky enough in the past to have had contestants who came in knowing that they are going to work hard and were willing to put in the work, passionate about the platform even beyond winning the crown,” Phori said.
“All constants are required to have a project that they are working on before the main event, this is under our Teen with Heart program. The projects address different social or economic issues which then gives us a sense of how they approach life and what kind of impact are they looking to make in their communities.”
While the pageant has grown under Phori’s leadership, it still faces significant hurdles, particularly in securing adequate funding and sponsorship.
“The lack of sponsorship remains our biggest challenge, but we are determined to secure partnerships to bring our vision for Mr. and Miss Teen Lesotho to life,” Phori said. He encouraged companies, organisations, and individuals to support the event, highlighting its potential to create lasting societal impact.
One of the organisers’ long-term goals is to enable winners to represent Lesotho at international pageants. However, steep registration fees have so far prevented this vision from becoming a reality. “We aim to learn from neighboring countries like Botswana, where such initiatives thrive, and make this dream achievable in the future,” Phori added.
The winners of Mr. and Miss Teen Lesotho 2024 will not only earn prestigious titles but also assume ambassadorial roles, championing youth development initiatives across the country. They will represent Lesotho at regional and international events, embodying the spirit of leadership and resilience that the pageant seeks to instill.
As the event draws near, excitement is building for a celebration that will spotlight the strength and potential of Lesotho’s youth, inspiring a generation to lead and transform their communities.
