Teen Thembisa pageant winner aims to uplift local youth
According to Thabyane, careful planning, a strong support system and a commitment to serving others helped her overcome those challenges.
Thembisa resident Lebogang Thabyane (17) says her journey into pageantry was inspired by watching community pageants while growing up and seeing how they empowered and uplifted young women.
Thabyane began competing in smaller community pageants three years ago to build her confidence and improve her public speaking skills.
ALSO READ: Laerskool Kreft crowns 2026 Mr and Miss Kreft in exciting school pageant
She said entering the Miss Tembisa pageant gave her an opportunity to represent and give back to the community that helped shape her.
“Hearing my name announced was overwhelming in the best way.
“In that moment, I thought of my mentors, family and every girl in Thembisa who was told that her dreams are too big. More than anything, it gave me the chance to serve,” said Thabyane.
She admitted that one of the biggest challenges on her journey to the crown was overcoming self-doubt while balancing the demands of school and pageant preparations.
ALSO READ: Teen pageant star Karabo Mokhomola shines as Miss Tswelopele – The Legacy
According to Thabyane, careful planning, a strong support system and a commitment to serving others helped her overcome those challenges.
“Youth unemployment and mental health are causes that are very close to my heart. I have seen many talented young people in Thembisa struggle with a lack of opportunities and suffer in silence,” she said.
She hopes to partner with local NGOs to host skills development workshops and create safe spaces where young people can engage in open and honest conversations.
Reflecting on her pageantry journey, Thabyane said the experience has helped her grow both personally and as a community leader.
“Pageantry pushed me out of my comfort zone. Through being on stage, participating in interviews and engaging in community work, I have learnt that discipline and humanity go hand in hand.
“I want to be remembered as the Miss Teen Tembisa queen who made the crown accessible, beyond the glitz and glamour, through community programmes that outlive my reign,” she said.
Thabyane encouraged young people to make the most of the opportunities available to them, not to allow their circumstances to define their future and never to wait for permission to pursue their dreams.
