Chombo has drawn comparisons with the Miss Botswana 2021 queen, Molefe ever since the beginning of her reign with suggestions that she may struggle to outshine the latter's exploits.
Molefe was the nation's darling despite failing to make the top 12at the Miss World. Prior to her run, there was much enthusiasm about Molefe’s participation at the pageant, with high expectations here at home that she stood a good chance to bring the crown.
The nation had rallied behind her with all within its power, perhaps making her the most loved Miss Botswana queen in recent years. But Chombo has taken over the reigns amidst less fanfare from the general public.
The reigning queen is not bothered by the comparisons between her and MmaMpale as her predecessor was called by many Batswana. With the Miss World finale just over a month away, the reigning queen is going quietly about her business preparing for the pageant. She is ready to stake her claim nonetheless without reading too much into the comparisons. "I understand that people will need time to transition and get to know me because Palesa left a very impactful mark that cannot be just ignored or forgotten overnight.
I trust myself and what I bring to the table," Chombo said. She is certain that Batswana would give her the support she needs. "In fact, I have already started seeing a lot of support and I am truly humbled," she added. Moreover, she stated that she would like to be remembered for her service to Botswana and Batswana through the crown that has such an impact.
"My reign should be remembered for its purpose," she said. Chombo, who has engaged in a lot of extra activities in preparation for her run at the Miss slated for May In the United Arab Emirates, says she has not received any advise from her predecessor. Meanwhile, the organisers of Miss Botswana said preparations for Miss World finale have intensified. "We have started engaging with the Glam team to ensure we are ready with a big enough wardrobe for the one month Miss Botswana will be in the Emirates.
We have a Radio feature on RB2 on Wednesdays to keep BW in the loop and engage with our queen on a regular basis to build that mobstar support," said communications manager, Tshepiso Solomon in response to Arts & Culture inquiry recently. She said they are still in the selection process of designers for Chombo's wardrobe and have made a call out to Batswana to be part of the process in order to avoid the wardrobe malfunction issues that clouded Molefe's run last year.
Final selections are expected to be announced soon. Regarding the queen's project, she explained that the organisation has finally finished putting together the logistics for the launch of the Beauty With A Purpose project and will be making an exciting announcement by the end of the week. The organisers have pleaded for support from the local business community and the public. "Unfortunately we are still struggling with responses and commitment from those the organisation has reached out to so far. We have not had any sponsors or donors step up as yet on their own accord," she said.
