Empowered Alberton teen crowned Miss Inspirational Teen SA

Reabetswe ‘Rea’ Makgale, a 17-year-old from Alberton, is making waves after being crowned Miss Inspirational Teen South Africa.

The determined teenager will now represent the country in the Dominican Republic, aiming to inspire and uplift young people along the way.

Beyond the spotlight

Born in the North West, Rea moved to Gauteng shortly after her first birthday and grew up in Soweto while her mother studied law.

She attended Laerskool Dalmondeor Primary and is now in Grade 11 at Hoërskool Marias Viljoen High School.

Although Rea had been in modelling for four years, she only started her journey in pageantry two years ago.

“I never felt I belonged as a model,” she said.

“There was always pressure to look a certain way, to have a straight face and be on magazine covers. But I wanted to do more – to tell my story and make a difference.”

Determined to do that, Rea launched The Balloon Popper, a balloon décor and garland business she started when she was 11.

“My mother helped me turn my small idea into a real business,” she shared.

“It is more than just a business – it is a way to empower myself and others.”

Rea is also passionate about self-awareness and mental health. Having faced bullying in her younger years, she now advocates the importance of knowing and being confident in who you are.

“As teens, we already deal with challenges. We should not let others decide our worth.”

A queen with purpose

Her first major pageant was Miss Teenager South Africa 2024, where she reached the Top 10 out of 85 contestants.

“That was a big moment for me,” said Rea.

“It was not about winning; it was about learning and growing, and I gained a sisterhood.”

After that experience, Rea felt a deeper drive to make a change. She entered the Miss Inspirational Teen South Africa competition and began visiting schools, teaching learners how to make balloon garlands and encouraging them to start their own businesses.

Her efforts paid off. She was crowned the winner and now prepares to take her message of empowerment to the world stage.

“Winning the crown was a dream come true. It came with the help of my family, good planning, and hard work,” she highlighted.

Rea knows pageants are not about fancy dresses and crowns.

“People think it is about glamour, but it is about purpose. You need beauty, brains and a goal,” she explained.

Thanks to sponsors like Albany Bakery and RCL Foods, she could feed over 100 people as part of her campaign.
Now, on an international stage, Rea hopes to bring home the title and make South Africa proud.

“My eye is on the crown, but my heart is with my people. I want to raise our flag high and show what South African youth can do.”