14 to battle it out for Miss Millennium 2022
Whilst pageantry is traditionally associated with slim, tall, beautiful young women, Miss Millennium has always dared to be different.
Now in its 14th year, the pageant returns bigger and better than ever before following a Covid-19 enforced layoff in 2021.
The initiative re-enforces the ethos that life truly does begin at 40, and caters for women in that age bracket of all shapes and sizes. This year, the oldest participant – there are 14 in total – clocks in at an incredible 60 years old!
As is tradition, the event will be held at the Millennium Jazz Restaurant in Mogoditshane with the grand finale set for 26 February.
Speaking at the official launch this week, the brains behind the brand, Zenzele Hirschfeld, reiterated the pageant’s drive to give women of a certain age the opportunity to be comfortable in their own skin and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
To this end, as has been the case in the past, Hirschfeld explained participants will focus on a special social project of their choosing.
“Miss Millennium is different in that our primary focus is community development. That is why each of the contestants have come up with their own project in which they will focus on at their respective local communities. It doesn’t have to be something big, as long as they contribute meaningfully to their communities.”
Prior to the main event, Hirschfeld and her team will host a high tea at the Maitisong venue next Saturday, with both men and women welcome to attend.
“The high tea is not just a female thing, I want to make that clear! I invite everyone to come. The high tea will be a networking session where industry experts will share with the audience and the participants their skills and knowledge,” she highlighted.
For her part, the 1st ever woman to be crowned Miss Millennium, Felicity Bogacu noted the pageant has grown tremendously since her day in the sun.
“The event was built under our 2016 pillar of a caring and compassionate nation and hence the emphasis on community projects,” stressed the 2008 winner, who encouraged the participants to have fun and embrace their moment.
Meanwhile, the outgoing Queen, Gofaone Sebonego will hand over the crown on the day. Sebonego’s project was fashioned around providing toiletries to the elderly. Sadly, although her reign lasted twice as long as her predecessors, she was severely hampered by lockdowns and Covid-19 protocols and struggled to effectively execute her project.
The 14 hoping to succeed Sebonego are:
• Theressa Kowa (45)
• Kelly Adams (60)
• Abigail MAruping (53)
• Gilma Simon-Muscito (46)
• Tebogo Motlhabane (52)
• Monica Seboi (42)
• Okeditse Rula Piet (42)
• Rapiwa Joseph (45)
• Reginah Gaone Gaolebe (55)
• Keikantseone Judith Kentse (40)
• Betty Chester (44)
• Galolemogwe Bolele (43)
• Carol Keitumetse Utlwang (45)