The new Miss Tembisa, Tokollo Bapela

New Miss Tembisa Tokollo Bapela took the reigns from Sibongile Nchabeleng, the winner of the 2016/2017 beauty pageant.

Bapela was crowned by former Miss Teen Tembisa Lebogang Thwala.

She was one of the 10 incredible women from Tembisa who made it to the finals of the Miss Tembisa beauty pageant.

After a gruelling round of judging, Bapela won over the judges with her beauty, humility, work ethic, compassionate heart and charming smile. Bapela, who originally hails from Zebediela in Limpopo, and the firstborn of three children to Margaret and William Bapela, believes the pageant has opened doors for her to be able to reach out to charity organisations and needy families.

“I entered Miss Tembisa because I believe it’s a platform for me to reach out to the youth of Tembisa, especially those from poor backgrounds, and help restore the dignity and potential in them that society denies them,” said Bapela.

This young lass who is currently pursuing a diploma in counselling and communication at the South African College of Applied Psychology, is passionate about helping people and reaching out to them in order to heal emotionally and physically.

“That’s where my interest in psychology started. I believe we were all born with and for a purpose and my purpose in life is to set people free, just as my name ‘Tokollo’ freedom. I want to set people free from abuse and poverty, one life at a time,” added Bapela.

When asked about her current community projects, Bapela said she is working hand in hand with the T-shad organisation for the disabled, where she already hosted some workshops and motivated the people.

“I am also involved in a sanitary towel project. My intention is to gather as many pads as possible to give out to young girls who miss school because of the lack of sanitary towels. There is no achievement too small or too big as long as it makes you happy and proud. That’s good enough. Lastly, the sky is not the limit, dream beyond the sky and reach for the stars,” added Bapela.

Bapela said during her spare time she enjoys watching series, playing netball, listening to music and trying out new things.

“Miss Tembisa is not the first pageant I entered, the first pageant I entered was in 2011 which was a school pageant and I won Miss LMS Snr. Other titles I hold is Miss Sexy Legs 2013, Miss Modimolle 2nd Princess 2015, and Miss Norkem Mall 2nd Princess 2017,” said Bapela.