Palesa Motsewetsho, a radiant young woman hailing from the beautiful and warm village of Mmankgodi, has made remarkable strides as both the founder of Palesa’s Caring Sisterhood and the reigning Miss Teen Universe 2023. Currently in her final year of high school at Bothale Cambridge International, Palesa is not only an active member of her school community but also serves as the head girl and captain of the netball team. Her journey is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion for making a positive impact.
Under the dynamic leadership of Tshepho B. Tlhapi, Miss Teen Universe Botswana has emerged as a beacon of motivation, support, and empowerment for young women across the nation. Tshepho, who also serves as the CEO, is deeply inspired by the transformative potential of beauty pageants. “We hosted Miss Teen Universe Botswana to motivate, support, and empower our contestants,” she explains. The goal is to promote confidence and self-esteem, contribute to charitable causes, and provide opportunities for networking and career advancement in the entertainment industry. For Tshepho, the personal fulfilment derived from being part of a significant cultural event is equally important.
Palesa’s journey to becoming Miss Teen Universe Botswana began with a delegation from the current director, Mrs. Tshepho Tlhapi. This title has allowed her to network extensively and spread the word about her project, Palesa’s Caring Sisterhood. Her biggest support came from her school, Bothale Cambridge International. “Without them, I highly doubt I would have been able to balance school with pageantry,” Palesa reflects. The school went out of its way to accommodate her passion, providing a strong foundation for her achievements.
One of Palesa’s highlights from her international pageant experience in Colombia was a 5 am bonding session with Miss Teen Universe Namibia, where they did each other’s hair and makeup. This moment underscored the purpose of pageants—to bring people together and forge lasting connections. However, Palesa also faced challenges, such as adapting to Colombia’s humid and hot climate. Despite not fully mastering the humidity, she learned practical tips like carrying a makeup brush for touch-ups to ensure her makeup lasted longer.
“Colombia takes pageantry to another level,” Palesa notes, impressed by the immense and astonishing support Colombians show for pageants. She discovered that this supportive nature is ingrained in their culture. Her interactions with other contestants were overwhelmingly positive. “I felt like I had made sisters; they embraced me as if I was one of their own,” Palesa shares. The camaraderie taught her the importance of preparation and resilience, proving that there is no such thing as being over-prepared.
Reflecting on her pageant journey, Palesa treasures several memorable moments. Witnessing contestants grow in confidence and poise, showcasing their talents, and delivering heartfelt speeches revealed the depth and character of each participant. These experiences have left a lasting impact on Palesa, reinforcing the transformative power of pageantry.
Contestants in Miss Teen Universe Botswana undergo extensive preparation and training before the competition. This includes practicing public speaking and interview skills, training in stage presence and poise, and honing their talents for the talent segment. Contestants work with stylists to choose outfits and perfect their looks, learn personal branding and social media skills, and engage in community service activities related to their platform. Mental preparation and resilience training are also crucial, along with etiquette and social skills training to ensure contestants can navigate various social situations with grace. Rehearsals simulate the competition experience, helping contestants become familiar with the format, timing, and procedures.
Participating in an international pageant has profoundly impacted Palesa’s personal life. It has boosted her confidence, expanded her cultural understanding, and provided a powerful platform to advocate for causes she cares about. Through her project, Palesa’s Caring Sisterhood, she has worked tirelessly to amplify female voices. The project began in Mmankgodi, where she donated sanitary pads and sanitary pad dispensers to schools. Since then, it has expanded its reach, with youth and beyond donating and volunteering to support her cause.
Currently, Palesa’s top goal is to excel in her IGCSE examinations with a target of 48 points. “Thuto ke boswa jwa botselo jwa rona,” she emphasizes, highlighting the importance of education. While she is uncertain about returning to the pageant industry soon, Palesa remains focused on her projects and the possibility of promoting Botswana’s culture internationally in the future.
Palesa’s advice to young girls aspiring to compete in beauty pageants is to embrace their uniqueness and stay grounded. “Winning isn’t everything,” she reminds them. Thorough preparation, accepting constructive criticism, and promoting positivity and kindness are crucial. Focusing on inner beauty, maintaining good health, engaging in community service, and enjoying the journey are vital components of a successful pageant experience.
Under Tshepho B. Tlhapi’s leadership, Miss Teen Universe Botswana continues to inspire and empower young women, fostering a new generation of confident, poised, and community-oriented leaders. Palesa Motsewetsho’s journey from Mmankgodi to the international stage exemplifies the impact of this empowering platform, demonstrating that with support, dedication, and resilience, young women can achieve their dreams and make a meaningful difference in the world.
Takudzwa Joylene Chigura