Hero’s welcome awaits Chombo

Boikanyo Mathonsi | Monday March 18, 2024 06:00

Chombo entered the 71st Miss World finale held in India on March 9 with the entire country behind her. She did not disappoint as she became the first Miss World Botswana since Emma Wareus in 2010 to win the Miss World Africa title. Chombo’s journey to the top was filled with determination, glamour, and national pride, as she overcame various challenges and comparisons to emerge victorious.

It all began in October 2022 when Chombo was crowned Miss Botswana, a title bestowed upon her by her predecessor, Palesa Molefe. Although some find it hard to admit, this momentous achievement was met with scepticism from other quarters of the Batswana community. Constant comparisons to Molefe, coupled with doubts about Chombo’s potential, cast a shadow over her journey.

Arts&Culture recently published an article that shed light on Chombo’s past. According to the report, there was a time when Chombo’s community doubted her ability to succeed in the cut-throat world of pageantry.

“From being doubted by her nation to the Miss World contender, Miss World - Botswana, Lesego Chombo’s moment of shining has finally arrived,” reads the article. Ahead of the finale, the revelation by the article sparked a passionate and intense storm of debates and discussions on various online platforms. The topic garnered significant attention and triggered a flurry of responses from people.

But in a previous exclusive interview with Arts&Culture, Chombo reflected on the challenges she faced, acknowledging the weight of following in Molefe’s footsteps. “I knew it was not going to be easy. But I am determined to prove myself and bring the Miss World crown to Botswana,” she confessed.

With unwavering support from key figures like Benjamin Raletsatsi, the director of Miss Botswana, and Naseem Lahri, the managing director of Lucara, Chombo embarked on her journey to India for the 71st Miss World competition. Lucara’s generous gesture of providing Chombo with a stunning 33-carat Akh-Ba-Ka diamond necklace added an extra sparkle to her presence. “We are incredibly proud of Lesego and all of her achievements. She embodies beauty, grace, and intelligence. At the grand finale, she will wear a 33-carat Botswana diamond necklace that has been worn by both Beyoncé and the Kardashians. She will be one of the few people to ever wear this diamond necklace, and we are confident that she will win the crown,” said Lahri.

Chombo instantly captured the attention of judges and audiences in India with her elegance, composure, and intellect. She impressed everyone during the pre-finale competitions, consistently securing top positions and earning praise from all directions. Her popularity increased as more and more Batswana showed their support on social media, showering her with words of encouragement and admiration.

In Botswana, Chombo’s journey was seen as a long-awaited chance to regain a top position in the pageant world. It had been 14 years since Wareus’ historic achievement as Miss World runner up, and the nation had been longing for another moment of glory on the global stage. Chombo’s success appeared to be the realisation of that collective dream.

As the excitement grew towards the announcement of the 71st Miss World winner, tensions rose. Eventually, Krystyna Pyszková, the beauty queen from Czech Republic, was crowned the winner. However, this decision left many Batswana disappointed and frustrated. They strongly believed that Chombo deserved the crown and expressed their disappointment and frustration on social media. Some Batswana even blamed Miss World presenter, Megan Young, for the hair fixing gesture, which they said cost Chombo the title’. Others made racism allegations against the Miss World organisation and even went further to report the Miss World page on Facebook as frustrations grew. As Batswana exerted pressure on Young, the Miss World 2013 ended up issuing an apology through her Facebook page.

“Last night during the final, I fixed Chombo’s (Miss Botswana) hair on stage. I wanted to offer a helping hand but I failed to oversee the bigger picture. This could have caused distress during that moment and I have been made aware that culturally, this is unacceptable. We have spoken privately last night at the hotel and I have apologised to Lesego in private. To those who witnessed the incident, I also want to apologise for any discomfort or confusion my actions may have caused. It was a thoughtless and disrespectful act, and I take full responsibility for it. I assure you that it was not my intention to invade personal space or make anyone feel uncomfortable. I deeply regret my actions and will strive to be more mindful and respectful in the future,” Young stated in the apology.

Some didn’t accept the apology indicating that an apology could never bring the crown. Batswana clashed with the Philippines on social media comment section as the latter defended their own in Young.

Amidst the storm of negative comments made online, Chombo stepped in and urged her fellow Batswana to treat others with kindness and respect. “My people, I appreciate that you are looking out for me, but it doesn’t make me feel good when you speak negatively about others in my name or on my behalf, please be kinder,” said Chombo on her Facebook page.

For her part, Wareus said she stood with Batswana but implored them to direct those emotions to celebrating Chombo who not only made the Top 4 at one of the world’s most prestigious pageants, but is now the new Miss World Africa.

“I know we are all upset, trust me, I know that it may feel like a past trauma being resurfaced. However, please understand that while we express our hurt, we are missing the opportunity to sit in this moment of national celebration. Lesego’s life will no doubt change from this day forward. She will travel the world, meet inspiring people, and her dreams will now become a reality,” she said. Wareus had earlier indicated that she was honoured to have passed the baton over to Chombo, 14 years later. As Batswana and fellow countrymen regarded Chombo’s journey as a sweet victory, President Mokgwetsi Masisi also congratulated Chombo on social media, praising her for representing Botswana and Africa with grace and dignity.

He stated that her dedication to excellence and her unwavering commitment to representing Botswana with pride and dignity are commendable. He extended his warmest congratulations to Chombo on behalf of all Batswana, saying that her journey to success is an inspiration to all.

“As the President of Botswana, I am deeply moved by your accomplishments. Your dedication and commitment to represent our nation with dignity and pride are commendable. Congratulations, Lesego, for putting us on the global stage. We love and cherish you,” Masisi said.

As the storm settled on social media, Chombo checked-in in Mauritius where Miss World had flown the queens in for a soothing experience after such an intense competition. Chombo is still enjoying the sunsets, greens and beaches of the paradise island but soon she will be back in Botswana where she is expected to receive a queen’s welcome. She made the whole nation proud after all.