02 Dec 2021

Far away in Pueto Rico’s San Juan City, as she enjoyed a weather very much like back home, Palesa Molefe recieved the exciting news that she was now the custodian of an expensive neckpice.

Brand Botswana had just gifted  her the necklace made of an exquisite blend of fine silver, white gold, and a rare pearl, all crowned with a beautiful diamond from the belly of her homeland.

The neckpiece, named Lebopo (which means universe), is Botswana’s national gift to its beauty queen and as is tradition , she is expected to auction it as part of her presentations at the on-going Miss World Competition.

The proceeds from the auction will go towards the Miss World  Beauty with a Purpose charity  project.

When handing the gift to Palesa’s second princess, Marang Makhoana, on Wednesday, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre Chief Executive Officer, Keolesitse Olebile  said the simple, yet sophisticated necklace told the story of the awe inspiring   elephant.

“Elephants symbolise power, wisdom, kindness, loyalty and leadership, and all of these being qualities Miss Botswana and all women who relentlessly pursue their dreams possess in abundance,” he said.

Further explaining the worth of the neckpiece Olebile said it featured the outline of an elephant, a 0.30 pointer round brilliant Botswana diamond, with a pearl and white gold necklace under it -all responsibly sourced.

“This elegant and minimalistic neckpiece, is an ode to Botswana’s two biggest sectors of the economy,” he said  in reference to Botswana’s mining and tourism industries.

The Miss World auction is expected to take place next week, as back home Batswana wait with much anticipation for  a crown. The last time the country won an international beauty crown was in 1999 when Mpule Kwelagobe won the Miss Universe tittle. The country came very close to winning Miss World when Emma Wareus was crowned the first runner-up in 2010.

Palesa attracted the attention of the  international media with her brillance, confidence and  physical agility .

She made quiet an impression during her head to head challenge when she sold Botswana to the world, defining the country as “the diamond capital of the world” before bursting in unrivalled  ululation.

She painted a must-see  picture of Botswana’s diverse peace loving people, its athletes, culture, minerals and  tourism, where elephants roamed the vast forests of the Chobe and showered in the Okavango.

Palesa who has  six million likes on social media, made it to the Miss World Sports’ top 24 this week.

Lebopo neckpiece was made by a local jeweler, Boitshoko Kebakile of House of Divinity. ENDS