The first ever Miss Philly’s Games 2018 Queen Petronessa Thedingoane, shares her journey as a proud brand ambassador of Philly Games as her reign comes to an end on November 29.
The 17- year-old lass from Moedi Section, Tembisa, is in Grade 11 at Jiyana Senior Secondary school, Entshonalanga Section.
She represented her school and Tembisa when she was crowned Miss Jiyana Secondary School 2019 Queen on September 5. On November 14 she was crowned Miss Face of Tembisa 2019, at the Sam Hlalele Hall.
Thedingoane said the Miss Face of Tembisa is one of the pageants that grooms young girls in Tembisa, and she looks forward to having the best times with the brand.
“On my way forward, l am continuing to work with Philly’s games, Miss Face of Tembisa brand as well as Brothers4cheezil, Fynesse dynasty, a pageant mentoring and monitoring agency I work with. I also work with Tshepang Care Centre and Bulamahlo Home. I am also willing to work with other brands.
“I learnt that Philly’s games is all about keeping the youth entertained, distracting them from exposure to negative commitments such as crime and drug abuse. It also educates the youth through sports, and works with a number charity-based organisation around Tembisa.
“Being crowned the first ever Miss Philly’s games was the greatest gift I ever rewarded myself with. It took me a step closer to my dreams. Along the journey, I met different people with different personalities, more inspiring people. I got a chance to interact with people to share my story with them and to also to learn from them.
“Giving back to my community was one thing I wished to do. It is something that comes from my heart,”said Thedingoane
Her main aim is to inspire, to motivate and to empower the youth, and to educate them about the importance of self-love, not only themselves, but their community as well.
She said she grew up without parents, but this never stopped her from dreaming, thanks to her sister who always stood by her side through thick and thin.
“I grew up without both parents. Life without them has been difficult but l thank God for blessing me with a supportive sister, a sister who has inspired me to be the young woman l am today, and she continues to groom me every day to become a better person.
“What makes me strong is to wake up every day and do something that will make my parents proud wherever they are, and again not feeling sorry for myself. If you still have them, be grateful,” she said.
“I would like to pass my gratitude to the Philly’s Games team for bringing me a step closer to my dreams, for allowing me to express myself and embark on such a beautiful journey, and for allowing me to be the voice to the voiceless.
“Hopefully in the next coming years they will see their first ever queen, who made history last year, doing extremely well.
“It was an honour working with them. My journey does not only end here with them. Again l would like to thank people who have reached out to me whenever l shouted, helped me with funding for my pageants, advised and helped me to make ends meet. I will forever be grateful.
“To my supportive teachers at Jiyana Secondary School, friends, and mentors, thank you very very much. It takes a village to raise a child. This is only the beginning, I am still going to make you proud.
“To the next queen who will be crowned this Friday, l plead with you to be nothing but the best that you can ever be, you are going to have the best moments of your life, Philly’s games is looking for someone who is willing to take their brand to greater heights,”she concluded.
