Tembisa model crowned Miss World Diversity

Twenty-four-year old Tiisetso Bopape from Tembisa represented iKasi and South Africa when she entered the Miss World Diversity 2019, which was hosted in Mauritius. She was crowned queen of Miss World Diversity 2019 on August 3.

“I was very excited and I felt overwhelmed. To me it means I am worthy enough to represent my country abroad.

“This is a dream come true for me because I have always wanted to represent South Africa globally,” said Bopape.

She said she got a call on June 9 from the Miss World Diversity director, who invited her for an interview. She then made it through to the finals a couple of days later.

“It was my first time flying. Also, I realised that it is actually possible to reach for your dreams regardless of your background.

“I couldn’t wait to meet the rest of the participants. When we got there I finally met gorgeous girls from 11 different countries.

“I did not believe I was going to be crowned Miss World Diversity 2019,” said Bopape.

The newly crowned Miss World Diversity said she broke down in tears on that stage because that was what she had always prayed for.

Bopape hopes each girl, especially from Tembisa will look up to her and also strive to achieve more in their lives.

Bopape holds a BSc degree in Information Technology and believes education is the only tool to liberate women.

“I am also a founder of a pageant called Miss Unity South Africa.

“Everything I achieve is meant to inspire girls to believe in their dreams.

“They must be the change they want to see and also be the voice they want to hear,” Bopape explained.

Bopape started modelling when she was in pre-school in 2001, where she was crowned Miss Lebone pre-school.

After that she took a break and didn’t attend any pageant until 2014, when she participated in Miss Tembisa but never made it through.

“After that I tried many other pageants but got rejections. Eventually in 2016 I was crowned Miss UniAfrica as a first princess.

“In 2017 I was a finalist for Miss Johannesburg and later that year I was crowned second princess in Miss Midrand.

“In 2018 I was a finalist in Miss Gauteng Exclusive,” said Bopape.

One of her biggest achievements is the Miss World Diversity 2019, but it’s not without big responsibilities.

“I will be travelling around African countries to raise awareness of issues affecting people living with albinism.

“Next year I will be flying to Dubai to hand over the crown to the next queen after my year’s reign,” said Miss World Diversity.

Bopape said South African girls must know that anything is possible.