Beauty icon honoured with lifetime achievement award

Renowned beauty queen and industry pioneer Mojabeng Senekal Ndebele received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Beauty Pageant Association of Lesotho (BPAL), an honour that left both the audience and the recipient deeply moved.

The unexpected moment took place on Saturday evening in Maseru, during Mr & Miss Teen Lesotho 2025 coronation.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Lesotho’s beauty and creative industries, Senekal Ndebele was seated among the judges when BPAL announced her name.

The hall erupted in applause, celebrating a woman whose contributions have shaped pageantry, modelling, youth development and humanitarian work across the country and beyond.

Reflecting on the moment, she said the recognition holds profound meaning for her at this stage of her journey.

“This recognition is incredibly meaningful, not just because of the title, but because it represents something that is still so rare: being seen and celebrated while still actively doing the work,” she shared.

 “We are often not given our flowers until much later in life, and for me, this moment feels like exactly that, a bouquet of acknowledgment, encouragement, and love.”

For her, the award is more than an accolade, it is a reminder that purpose-driven work leaves footprints. “And mine are being seen,” she added.

The award came as a complete surprise, and she admitted she was overwhelmed when she heard her name.

“I was deeply moved by the people who made this happen, who believed I was worthy of this honour and took the time to make it real. It has been such a demanding year, full of work, service, travel, and very little pause. This moment felt like the universe saying, ‘We see you. Keep going.’”

She described it as the perfect, affirming ending to a year defined by relentless commitment to community and industry.

Though widely celebrated for her titles, Miss NUL, Face of Lesotho, Mrs Grand Africa, Senekal Ndebele said her proudest achievement has nothing to do with a sash or crown.

“The moment that will always stay with me is receiving the Humanitarian Award at the Face of Beauty International pageant in Taiwan,” she said.

The award recognised a free medical camp she hosted in Semonkong, offering specialised healthcare to a remote community with limited access.

“For me, that moment brought everything full circle. It wasn’t about crowns or gowns, it was about using visibility to serve humanity. That is my life’s purpose.”

With more than a decade of influence, Senekal Ndebele has helped redefine what the beauty industry means for young Basotho. She has mentored models, inspired queens, judged major competitions, and pushed for higher standards across the sector.

She believes the future is bright, but calls for greater national support.

“Pageantry is far more than aesthetics, it’s an empowerment platform, a leadership incubator. We need policy-level recognition. Government should support national pageants the same way they do sports and national teams,” she noted.

Corporate support is beginning to rise, she added, and SMMEs are increasingly investing in pageants, signaling a promising shift.

To the young kings and queens who look to her for guidance, Senekal Ndebele’s message is simple but profound:

“Let your purpose be your compass. Beauty fades, trends evolve, but purpose is timeless. Excellence is not about the title,  it is about how you use the platform. Shine so others can find their way, too.”

Despite receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award, she insists her journey is only beginning.

“Not even close. I’m only getting started.”

In the past year alone, she published Lesotho’s first-ever pageant manual, Pageant Compass, which inspired the launch of Confidence Camp – a development program teaching leadership, emotional intelligence, public speaking and resilience to children and teens.

“My mission is to build systems that empower, whether in health, youth development, or beauty with purpose. This award is a milestone, but my mountain is still ahead. And I am climbing with more fire than ever before.”

All this she does while being an advocate of education, as she holds a Master’s in Public Health, and is the Senior Development Officer at Partners In Health. She also serves on a number of boards including International Human Rights Lab.

But even amid the coronations and celebrations, one truth radiated through the room: Senekal Ndebele stands not only as a queen of titles, but as an architect of purpose, a woman whose influence continues to shape generations.

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.