History was made last Saturday at Basetsana Gardens in Sehlabeng, Berea, as renowned beauty queen and model, Mojabeng Senegal-Ndebele, launched Lesotho’s first-ever beauty pageant manual, Pageant Compass.
The elegant launch event drew notable figures from the pageant industry, including Rorisang Motlomelo, Karabelo Tšosane, and Mahlape Matsoso, with the Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, Motlatsi Maqelepo, serving as guest of honour.
The manual, described as a comprehensive and empowering guide for aspiring and current beauty queens, marks a bold step forward for pageantry and youth leadership development in Lesotho.
“This manual is not just about preparing young women to compete,” said Senegal-Ndebele. “It’s about equipping them with the tools, confidence, and purpose they need to lead and succeed in all areas of life.”
Pageant Compass provides in-depth guidance on a wide range of topics, including personal branding, financial planning, interview skills, talent development, and mental wellness. It encourages a mindset shift, viewing pageantry as a platform for empowerment and advocacy rather than mere competition.
Around the world, beauty queens have become diplomats, entrepreneurs, media figures, and social change agents. Lesotho is no exception, many former contestants are now leaders in civil society, the private sector, and public institutions.
“Pageantry teaches more than poise and stage presence,” Senegal-Ndebele said. “It nurtures public speaking, confidence under pressure, goal-setting, and the ability to carry causes that matter. These are skills that define impactful leaders.”
Senegal-Ndebele also reflected on the deeper meaning of the launch, describing it as a culmination of her patriotic journey.
“This moment is deeply personal for me,” she shared. “As someone who has carried the torch of patriotism all my life, having this project recognised by our government feels like receiving stars for my unwavering commitment to nurturing national pride, cultural excellence, and empowered leadership through the arts.”
“I believe pageantry, when done with intention, is a powerful platform to uplift our identity, sharpen women into leaders, and instil them with the courage to step into leadership. It inspires those who came before us, and those who will follow, while serving our country with dignity and grace.”
Pageant Compass is designed to elevate the standard of representation for Lesotho on international stages by providing structured preparation rooted in local realities and global best practices.
The manual will be available for global purchase on Amazon, while hard copies will be distributed at M300.00 in select bookstores and grocery stores across Lesotho and South Africa.
Through this initiative, Mojabeng Senegal-Ndebele is not only setting a new benchmark in pageant education but also reaffirming the powerful role of arts and culture in shaping the nation’s future.
“When we empower young people,” she said, “we empower the entire country.”
Pageant Queens and Kings showed up to the launch dressed for the occasion. The young and the older generation converged to celebrate this milestone.
In his remarks at the event, the Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, Maqelepo congratulated Senegal-Ndebele and pledged the ministry’s support to her work and thanked her for inspiring the next generation of leaders.
“I am here on behalf of the Ministry of Sports, Tourism, Arts and Culture to congratulate you Mojabeng, and also pledge our support to you for your work, we are proud of you, we are inspired by you, and we walk with you,” the Minister remarked.
“You have turned your whole journey into a road map, and by doing so, you are lifting the whole nation. You have reminded us of that one person armed with vision, courage and commitment, and can light a fire that will warm a whole village.”
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.
