Khutso’s competitive spirit soars

“Wathinta abafazi wathint’ imbokodo” (You strike women, you strike a rock) is a phrase commonly used in South Africa to acknowledge the power of women and the role they play in all spheres of life.

For women to claim their rightful place in society we need tough pillars and stern agents of change in the world. Khutso Mmapheto is one such strong woman who was born with leadership qualities and she dares to earn women the respect they deserve within our communities.

Mmapheto is currently a brand ambassador of the Miss Eagle SA 2018 pageant and hails from eKasi (Tembisa).

According to Miss Eagle South Africa (MESA) 2018’s website, the title holder is a leader – a woman who inspires the prominence of a woman. During her school days Khutso was always in the forefront ensuring the well-being of learners.

As a member of the Learner Representative Committee (LRC) she had a mandate to protect the rights of the voiceless and to ensure that justice was served in the primary education system.

“I was in the primary school LRC throughout my days at Entshonalanga Primary School. At high school in 2012, I represented learners at the opening of the equal education national congress and for that opportunity I was featured on eNews where I had to share my insights on issues faced by Tembisan schools,” said Khutso.

The economics management analysis student said her objective is to develop the underprivileged communities and change the mindset of young people.

“I want to equip the youth with life skills and leadership skills. Young people must focus more on things that will benefit them at a later stage of their lives. They must not be short sighted.”

The young lady has proven to be an inspiration to the youth by working hard to uphold impartiality in humanity. With the current spate of violence in our society we need such leaders to fight and protect the rights of women and children. November 25 is a crucial day when the entire world observes the campaign of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

This is a global crusade to fight violence against women and girls. December 10 is a human rights day and an international day for the elimination of violence against women. Leaders like Khutso have the courage to stand on the border line and defend the vulnerable in the society.

“MESA is about women empowerment. This is a contest that uses beauty with brains and purpose as a platform to enable young women to grow and develop themselves by making a positive impact in their communities,” said Khutso.

With her historical involvement in community service, Khutso deserves the title of the Miss Eagle South Africa 2018. She said as part of the required qualities to become MESA ambassador, she had to complete tasks on community development programmes which she did and she completed the set assignments within a month.

“I did a lot of charity work with learners from Mikateka Primary School. I served breakfast and lunch. We also did educational activities. I got my shout-outs from South African celebrities which was challenging, but I was equal to the task. To move from being a plain contestant to a MESA brand ambassador you need to participate fully and complete the tasks given.”

She has to complete more tasks to become the title holder of Miss Eagle South Africa 2018. Her enthusiasm displays her will to inspire and bring about change in the country. She endeavours to motivate the nation and ignite the determination in young people to soar and ride the winds of success.

Khutso said young people must take the leap and spread their wings to realise their dreams. For Khutso to conquer, she needs a lot of support and many votes from the Tembisa community, and is therefore appealing to the community to SMS Khutso to 35334.

Her success now depends on the community reading her article in the paper and picking up a phone and sending a SMS to vote. Let us garner support and push our Tembisa leader.