Mister Teen Lesotho 2024 Liphalana eyes continental glory

Refiloe Molise

Nineteen-year-old Bafokeng Liphalana from Maseru is preparing to represent Lesotho at the Mister Teenager Africa 2026 pageant in Nairobi, Kenya. He is determined to showcase Basotho pride, talent and resilience on the continental stage.

Liphalana, who was crowned Mister Teen Lesotho 2024, says the opportunity marks an important step in his journey as a young leader and creative. He sees the competition not only as a personal milestone, but also as a chance to elevate Lesotho’s presence in Africa.

His pageantry journey began in 2023 when he was crowned Mr ’Mabathoana High School. He describes that experience as the moment he discovered his passion for leadership and self-expression. The school title motivated him to pursue platforms beyond the classroom and to use pageantry as a voice for young people.

In September last year, Liphalana told Chris Theko that he had ambitions beyond national borders and was working towards competing on the continental stage. That dream has now materialised as he prepares for Mister Teenager Africa 2026.

Mister Teenager Africa is organised under Teenager Africa Pageants, a platform that gives talented and ambitious young Africans an opportunity to showcase their potential, intelligence and charisma, while promoting leadership and cultural exchange across the continent.

Currently pursuing a degree in Public Administration and Political Science at the National University of Lesotho, Liphalana says his academic background has strengthened his understanding of leadership, governance and youth advocacy. He believes education and pageantry complement each other in shaping him into a well-rounded representative.

Beyond academics, he is a model and a Latin and Ballroom dancer, talents he plans to showcase during the competition. He describes dance as his favourite form of self-expression and says it has sharpened his confidence and stage presence.

He says representing Lesotho at a continental level carries deeper meaning, particularly at a time when discussions about the country’s global recognition have gained attention internationally.

“As Basotho, we have to put ourselves out there and excel so the world knows Lesotho exists and has resilient, peace-loving people,” he said.

Through his participation, Liphalana hopes to highlight the need for greater investment and structured opportunities for teenagers in creative industries such as modelling and dance. He says many young people abandon their dreams due to limited financial support and lack of mentorship.

“Talent deserves opportunity regardless of background. But talent must also be nurtured through training, mentorship and a supportive environment. Persistence, determination and humility are key, nothing comes easy in life,” he said.

In preparation for the Nairobi pageant, he has intensified his physical training, personal development and public speaking practice. He is also seeking guidance from experienced mentors in pageantry and leadership. He identifies discipline, cultural pride, confidence and resilience as his core strengths, while acknowledging that public speaking remains an area he continues to improve.

Winning the Mister Teenager Africa title, he says, would be a historic achievement for Lesotho and a turning point for his advocacy work.

“It would open doors for youth advocacy and inspire other teenagers to see that young people from Lesotho can compete and lead at continental and global levels. Your background should not limit you; it should motivate you toward excellence,” he said.

However, financial constraints remain a challenge as he prepares for the competition.

“I am currently raising funds to register for Mr and Miss Teenager Africa 2026, which will be hosted in Nairobi, Kenya. The registration fee is USD525, plus the cost of a plane ticket. I humbly request assistance from anyone who can help me make this dream a reality,” he said.

He indicated that he still needs M8,405.25 to cover the registration fee.

Liphalana has called on the public to support his journey by following him online, sharing his campaign, engaging with the official Mister Teenager Africa platforms and voting through Facebook and Instagram under “Teenager Africa.”

He concluded by thanking his supporters for their encouragement, saying their belief in him fuels his determination. He also encouraged other teenagers to recognise that pageantry is not about perfection but purpose, adding that anyone with a voice and the courage to try should step forward because their story matters.

Newsday

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