Stanbic Bank Botswana is passionate about supporting Botswana’s youth in embarking on unchartered paths, displaying bold ambitions in working towards their dreams. Reigning Miss Botswana, Palesa Molefe, is the very embodiment of how a single bright spark can bring together a nation with grace, charisma, and courage, and the Bank is proud to stand beside her in sponsoring Palesa’s final Miss World leg which will now be held in 2022, following a COVID-19 related postponement.
Palesa has made it to the finals after a successful head-to-head challenge the week prior and will therefore return to Puerto Rico for this in 2022, upon confirmation of a new date from pageant organisers. She joins fellow beauty queens as the Top 30 contenders make their way to the stage for one final hurrah. The Bank’s sponsorship of P60,000 goes towards travel and wardrobe costs in this regard.
Said Stephanie Stoneham – Head of Brand and Marketing, Stanbic Bank Botswana, “What Palesa has already done this far is nothing short of admirable., This is a young woman who has brought together the hearts of a nation even in the midst of a pandemic. Her eloquence, courage and poise are magnetic, and show that with bravery and determination, it can be. One’s dreams are possible if only we work towards them. We are proud to call Palesa our queen, and even prouder to stand behind her in this journey, knowing with full confidence that her story is only just beginning, for her work in communities and advocating for progress for Batswana continues. Our hearts are blue and white for Palesa as we all cheer her on now and indeed when the finals are confirmed!”
Miss Botswana Organiser, Kaone Moremong, appreciated the Bank’s relentless commitment to empower the local community. She said the cash injection will go a long way as organisers have been struggling financially, highlighting that to plan a national pageant successfully without compromises is expensive. “It is unfortunate that the finals had to be postponed, but we will return when things have calmed down and the risk of COVID-19 has reduced. To manage a Queen for the whole reign is also pricey as we have to manage her wardrobe, transport, accommodation, hair, and management costs for a year on top of these revised travel plans. The sponsorship from Stanbic Bank is therefore much appreciated,” she said.
Miss World organisers will confirm a new date for the finals in 2022. Until then, the Bank looks forward to continuing to support Palesa and to welcome her home as the queen we know she is.