The world is set to unveil its next reigning Miss World. In Southern Africa, countries including Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana are among the continent’s leading contenders for the prestigious title.

In a rare gesture, Botswana’s President Duma Boko made a public video call to the country’s Miss World delegate, Anicia Gaothusi. During the call, President Boko first asked where Gaothusi was at that moment and how she was feeling. He then explained that he had decided to personally reach out to encourage her ahead of tomorrow’s Miss World finals.

In his conversation with Gaothusi, President Boko described her as a unique diamond, one that Batswana and the world would be watching closely. “The biggest diamond we will be looking at is not the one on your crown,” said President Boko, “It is you. You are the diamond.”

Continuing the heartfelt exchange, President Boko emphasized that Gaothusi carries “the grace and love of her country.” He expressed how proud he is of her and praised her for representing Botswana with distinction on the global stage.

President Boko concluded by telling Botswana’s beauty queen that the nation is ready to celebrate with her.