Tembisa model gives back with her baby hamper drive
Her mother told her she perfectly fits in the world of modelling and Boya said that gave her courage to go back and try again.
Lesego Boya is a rising star in the world of modelling and she aims to assist girls in the township to believe in themselves.
On March 30, Boya represented Gauteng in the Miss Inspire South Africa pageant, where she won the Miss Butterfly Award.
“I am happy to have managed to take part in such a big pageant and I want to thank my manager, Tebogo Ngoma, my parents and Kleanboy Mofokeng for being my pillars throughout the journey,” said Boya.
Boya got involved in modelling in 2012 when she entered a school pageant. She said she took part in the school’s competition, believing the pageant would rescue her from being an introvert.
“I had low self-esteem and I was very shy, so I entered the school pageant to prove to myself that I am good enough. I wanted to be able to communicate and connect with people around me. I needed to love and accept myself as I am,” said Boya.
She said her first time on the ramp was horrible because she was shaky and walked with self doubt.
“I couldn’t even smile because I thought people could see through me, that I was not sure of what I was doing. I wasn’t hoping for a win and I did not win that pageant. I blame my negative mind for the loss. I did not believe in myself,” said the 21-year-old model.
She said thereafter her mother had to sit her down and talk to her about getting back on the ramp. Her mother told her she perfectly fits in the world of modelling and Boya said that gave her courage to go back and try again.
“That made me feel I am good enough and in the next pageant my mother’s advice had a great impact.
“I was crowned queen of Miss Have It All 2013. I was overwhelmed and excited and it boosted my self-esteem. It was good enough because it was no longer a school pageant, but a community pageant,” the elated Boya explained.
She said after that she went on to shine in other beauty pageants and her biggest highlight was when she entered Miss Sundowns FC and went as far the semi-finals.
Now Boya holds the title of second princess in Miss Baroka FC and the title of first princess in Miss Philly’s Games.
Boya also hosts Miss Unity South Africa and gives back to the community through her Baby Hamper Drive.
She said Baby Hamper Drive helps needy newborns with basic necessities; she also runs a campaign to assist people who have albinism.
“I am appealing to government, the community and businesses to donate so these drives can achieve their basic goals.
“Willing sponsors can contact my manager, Tebogo Ngoma, and discuss ways of assisting,” said Boya.
Ngoma can be reached at tmngoma@gmail.com
