Beauty, charm and a shared vision for change have put hunky Troy Laventhal and his dynamic girlfriend Shelly Riley in a league of their own as the first couple to be crowned Mr and Miss Benoni in the pageant’s history.

The glamorous duo, who stole the spotlight at the glittering September 26 ceremony at Anew Hotel and Conference Centre OR Tambo in Lakefield, are ready to turn their crowns into catalysts for positive change, hoping their reign will be defined by teamwork, community service and personal growth.

Troy and Shelly have been together for a year and a half. They said the achievement was about more than individual recognition.

It was an opportunity to celebrate their relationship, support each other’s ambitions and use their new platforms to make a positive difference in the community.

Troy, who said during the pageant that he wants to be remembered as the ‘lekker oke‘, said he felt grateful and honoured to have someone special beside him throughout the competition.

“I was very proud of both of us,” he said, crediting Shelly for encouraging him to enter the pageant.

He believes their strong communication and understanding of each other will be valuable assets during their reign.

“We motivated each other and supported each other throughout the journey. We bring out the best in each other and build each other’s confidence,” Troy said.

The couple met through one of Shelly’s friends, who is also Troy’s cousin. He said her kindness and strength initially attracted him to her.

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Shelly shared her excitement about their historic achievement, describing the moment she learned they would hold both titles as surreal.

“I actually just felt so happy and excited, especially hearing that Troy had won and that I would be up there next to him. It didn’t feel real,” she said.

She believes their similar personalities and shared outlook will help them make decisions and work together effectively.

“I truly believe that two is better than one. If we both stand together and two minds think alike, we will certainly make an impact in the lives around us,” said Shelly.

Both winners are keen to use their titles to encourage others, support their community and inspire young people to step outside their comfort zones.

Troy, who works as a bookkeeper for a plastic bag company, explained that his goal is to show the value of standing together through challenges and celebrating growth as individuals and as a team.

He grew up in Rynfield and attended Jeppe High School for Boys as a boarder. Weekends back home were spent catching up with friends, often at the Bunny Park. He now lives in Brentwood Park and says Benoni’s community spirit makes him proud to represent the city.

“I like how Benoni takes care of each other, which makes me proud to represent it,” he said.

Shelly, meanwhile, attended Tom Newby School and Benoni High School. She lives in Fairleads and is studying health and skincare, with ambitions of opening her own beauty college one day.

She described Benoni as a place where she feels safe and has built meaningful connections.

Outside their pageant responsibilities, the couple enjoys visiting friends, camping and spending time together watching movies or having a braai.

As they begin their reign, Shelly hopes their example will encourage others to believe in themselves and pursue their ambitions.

“Success would look like doing our best this year and making a positive imprint on many people’s lives. We want to inspire the next individuals not to be afraid, to overcome their fears and become the best versions of themselves,” she said.

If you’ve got any inspiring story to tell, email lebohangp@caxton.co.za or benonicitytimes@caxton.co.za.

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