New teen royalty crowned at Mr & Miss Teen 2025

The Mr. & Miss Teen Lesotho pageant lit up Maseru last Saturday evening, showcasing some of the country’s brightest young leaders in a celebration of talent, purpose and youthful excellence.

By the end of an electrifying night, Poelo Mosobela and Katleho Matetoa were crowned the new Miss Teen Lesotho 2025 and Mr Teen Lesotho 2025, stepping into roles that extend far beyond beauty and charisma.

The event blended glamour with social impact, reflecting the evolving nature of youth pageantry in Lesotho. Contestants were evaluated not only on stage presence and creativity, but also on leadership, public speaking, advocacy and community-driven initiatives.

This year’s edition stood out for its sincerity, depth and the maturity of its young participants.

Seventeen-year-old Mosobela, born and raised in Khubetsoana Boinyatso, captured the judges’ attention with her authenticity, intelligence and strong sense of mission. Awaiting her Grade 11 results from ECOL, she is passionate about creative arts and youth empowerment, values she carries with humility and conviction.

Reflecting on her crowning, she shared, “The moment my name was announced felt surreal. It was a mix of joy, gratitude, and deep responsibility. Being crowned Miss Teen Lesotho 2025 means more than a title; it is a platform to serve, to represent young Basotho voices, and to rise as a role model for others.”

Determined to uplift vulnerable youth, Poelo plans to use her reign to promote self-reliance through creative skills.

“I want to champion youth empowerment through self-reliance. My main project involves teaching orphans and vulnerable youth how to crochet, a skill they can use to generate income and gain confidence.”

She believes creativity is a powerful weapon against unemployment, hopelessness and the limitations young people face.

Preparing for the pageant came with challenges, from self-doubt to balancing school and Taekwondo.

“I overcame it through discipline, prayer, and the support of my family and friends, who reminded me of my purpose. I want to leave behind a legacy of action, not just inspiration, young people who are proud to create, lead and stand for something. You do not need much to change lives, just passion, purpose, and the courage to rise… because I rise to inspire.”

Eighteen-year-old Matetoa, a proud Mosotho from Maseru, is no stranger to leadership. A model, youth advocate, and second-year Computer Networking student at Botho University, he earned his crown with confidence, emotional intelligence and a deep commitment to serving teenagers.

“It feels like finally my dream came true,” he said.

Recounting the moment he was announced as Mr Teen Lesotho 2025, he said, “It felt so unreal, like a dream come true. I was overwhelmed with gratitude that everything I sacrificed, all the efforts, and my relentlessness finally worked out. This was my second time competing, and now I truly believe that everything happens in God’s timing.”

Katleho enters his reign with a powerful mission: opening conversations around teen mental wellbeing.

“We cannot pour from an empty cup. I advocate for mental health awareness because so many teenagers smile on the outside while battling anxiety and depression inside. Healing starts with a conversation.”

He hopes to remind teens that seeking help is strength, and that guidance, faith and self-awareness can transform lives.

One of his biggest challenges was the fear of failing again after not winning the previous year. But instead of giving up, he turned that pain into purpose.

“I used it to build me, my confidence and my goals. A crown doesn’t define my worth; I am a king beyond owning a sash.”

He continued to lead through his projects, including #NoToPeriodPoverty, where he collaborated with former Miss Lesotho Runner-Up Tlhokomelo Sepetla and received support from Hon. Teboho Mojapela to deliver sanitary towels to learners in Botha-Bothe.

“By the time my reign ends, I want a generation of teens who are confident, committed, and not afraid to seek help. Teens with purpose and the right guidance can change their lives, uplift others, and build a stronger community.”

The judges praised this year’s cohort as one of the most inspiring to date. The event also featured a historic moment as industry icon Mojabeng Senekal Ndebele received a Lifetime Achievement Award from BPAL, honouring her decade-long contribution to Lesotho’s pageant and creative sectors.

The combination of young talent and industry excellence made the night a powerful celebration of leadership, identity and ambition.

Chris Theko

A Professional Communications practitioner with a wealth of expertise in marketing, public speaking, communication and media relations. I believe in learning everyday and improving one’s personal and professional capabilities.

* A former journalist and radio host who is passionate about media and it’s impact on society.