Chris Theko
The Miss Lesotho Pageant Organisation has announced a significant shift in its scheduling, deciding to host the coronation event biennially instead of annually.
According to the pageant’s director, ‘Mabahlakoana Mosola (Mululela Monyake), this change, while difficult, was necessary to allow for more thorough planning, better allocation of resources, and increased attention to the event.
“Going into 2025, we have decided to cancel the annual finale and instead hold Miss Lesotho every two years,” Mosola explained.
“This will enable us to ensure full and fair representation of each district. Auditions will be conducted across all 10 districts over the two-year period, selecting two representatives per district for the finale, which will be held towards the end of the second year.”
Mosola clarified that this new direction will allow the organisation more time to connect with individual districts and engage in community work with the reigning Queen, empowering and serving the relevant communities.
She noted that this has been challenging in the past due to limited resources.
She explained that they have struggled to reach communities effectively due to a lack of resources and indicated that this change will allow us to serve and empower the relevant communities better,” she noted.
With the exception of 2020, when the event was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Miss Lesotho coronation has been held annually since 2010.
Mosola, a former Miss Lesotho 2015 runner-up, has been organising the glamorous event since 2021 through her company, The New Era Events. She highlighted that the decision to shift to a biennial format was informed by lessons learned over the past three years.
“Like with everything, we have been learning and making notes as we go along. This new format and structure may or may not work, but we lose nothing in trying. We can only gauge the success of this approach by giving it a chance,” she said.
Mosola also expressed confidence that the additional preparation time between events will allow the organisation to better equip the winner for any necessary international participation.
The organisers are committed to presenting Miss Lesotho as an empowerment platform, rather than just a beauty contest.
“We aim to showcase Miss Lesotho as more than a title—it’s a platform for empowerment and growth,” Mosola added.
Meanwhile, after receiving entries from hundreds of hopefuls across the country, the Miss Lesotho Organisation has announced the top eight finalists who will compete for the crown currently held by Botha-Bothe-born law student, Lerato Masila.
Masila, who was crowned Miss Lesotho at a glittering ceremony at Avani Maseru in September 2023, also serves as a brand ambassador for Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL).
Mosola emphasised that the pageantry seeks individuals who embody the true essence of beauty with purpose and the virtues of a queen and ambassador of Lesotho.
“We have always looked for someone who shows the potential to carry the brand and represent Lesotho in everything they do during and after their reign. We hope for someone who is authentic, respectful, humble, and capable of inspiring others,” Mosola stated.
This year’s coronation will take place at Victory Hall, Maseru, on September 7th. The event is expected to be graced by Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Bereng Seeiso, who will walk the red carpet, as well as the Minister of Arts and Culture, special guests, and VIP attendees, followed by the grand finale.