the monitor

Chombo departs for Miss World Pageant

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On Saturday, the Sir Seretse International Airport (SKIA) was painted blue, black and white coupled with beautiful slender women who went to support Miss World Botswana, Lesego Chombo, as she was leaving the country to compete at the 71st Miss World pageant.

The world competition starts today in India with the finale expected to be hosted on March 9 where the new world queen will be crowned.

Chombo's glamorous send off started with a motorcade that led to the airport where scores of well-wishers had gathered. Chombo, who oozed confidence with a wide beautiful smile and lean toned skin, was clad in true Botswana colours fused with pearls to give her a modern touch.

She was dressed by fashion designer, Christina Karin Lokie Vanstaden giving Batswana and the world a first glance of her wadrope at the three-week long competition. Indeed when asked by this reporter to give more insights on other dresses to come, with Botswana still reeling from a wardrobe malfunction at the last Miss World with Palesa Molefhe, Chombo said: “I cannot share much but I can assure you I am fully prepared on that front. All my dresses are Botswana inspired in every sense and as you will see throughout, there was a lot of thought process behind the dresses. I will be dressed by local designers but unfortunately, I cannot reveal anything as of now.” Chombo further said as she leaves for India she will be carrying the weight of Batswana on her shoulders and will represent the country in the best way possible.

“I am eternally grateful for all the support I have received,” she said as she took her last wave and walk before leaving for the world competition. ‘Tsamaya sente, mmabontle wa rona,” the crowd chanted. For his part, the Director for Development Advanced Institute (DAI) who are the Miss Botswana title holders for the next four years, Benjamin Raletsatsi, implored Batswana to continue supporting the Queen through her Miss World Journey. “This is a social media competition and I urge all Batswana to rally behind her and show support by liking and sharing all her posts on the Miss World Page so that they feel our presence.

We have tried to tick all the boxes to ensure nothing goes wrong,” he shared. Speaking to Showtime at the Airport, Chombo’s mother, Ditebo Chombo, also shared her joy. “I am honestly overwhelmed with lots of excitement but also gratitude. My daughter is going to represent us in India, and I want to urge and ask Batswana to support her. I advised her to fly our flag high and bring that crown home. I told her to continue being the obedient and respectful child we taught her to be.” At the airport to support Chombo were former Miss Botswana Queens, her princess and this year top 10 finalists who too are inching closer to the local crowning night of the 2024 Miss Botswana.

Editor's Comment
Botswana at a critical juncture

While the political shift brings hope for change, it also places immense pressure on the new administration to deliver on its election promises in the face of serious economic challenges.On another level, newly appointed Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s grim assessment of the country’s finances adds urgency to the moment. The budget deficit, expected to be P8.7 billion, is now anticipated to be even higher due to underperforming diamond...

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