Teenager Tumi Mbuntshu (18) from Nigel was crowned Miss Teen Grand South Africa on October 5 in Pretoria.

Miss Teen Grand South Africa is a nationwide beauty and empowerment pageant, and Tumi impressed the judges with her poise, ambition and deep commitment to community upliftment.

She completed her matric in 2024 at Nigel Secondary School. During her school years, she also competed in the Miss Duduza’s Queen pageant, where she claimed the crown and title.

Currently, Tumi is employed at SPAR Ferryvale in Nigel. She plans to further her studies, with Engineering or Law among her top choices.

When asked about her goals during her reign, Tumi said: “I want to advocate for change in society where everyone is treated as equals. I believe kindness and friendliness can go a long way in achieving that goal, no matter what your race, religion or beliefs are.”

Looking ahead, Tumi hopes to enter the Miss South Africa pageant in the near future.

The new owners of SPAR Ferryvale, Bruce and Paula Baker, expressed their pride in being associated with Tumi.

“We are incredibly proud of Tumi. She embodies everything we believe in; hard work, a positive attitude and the drive to achieve greatness. Her success is about more than just the crown; it shows that a person can balance work, personal growth and academic ambition,” said Bruce and Paula.

Tumi tragically lost her mother in 2024 and has since started a foundation in her honour, called Lutholakele Usizi (Help Has Been Found).