Mbali Mthembu turns modelling success into community impact

Through her hard work and dedication, 16-year-old Mbali Mthembu was honoured when she was named Model of the Year 2025 by SA All Stars Kempton Park in December 2025.

To work towards the title, she took part in modelling and various charity initiatives and community projects, using her platform to give back and make a positive difference wherever she could.

Mthembu believes what helped her stand out was her dedication, consistency and passion for using modelling and pageantry for a greater purpose. She was not only focused on the modelling side, but also on getting involved in her community and supporting people and causes that needed help.

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“To me, being crowned Model of the Year 2025 at just 15 years old at the time was a huge honour because it truly showed how hard work and perseverance pay off. Receiving the title was incredibly meaningful to me because it showed me that my hard work, commitment and efforts to give back were being recognised.

“It also reminded me that being a model is about more than what happens on a stage or in front of a camera. It’s about the impact you can make through your platform,” said Mthembu.

Mthembu was born and raised in Kempton Park and currently resides in Norkem Park. Her journey into the pageantry and modelling industry began when she watched her cousin participate in pageants and modelling. Seeing her experience inspired Mthembu to step outside of her comfort zone and try it for herself.

The model admired her cousin’s confidence, discipline and the opportunities that came with being involved in the industry, and she wanted to discover what she could achieve too.

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“When I entered, one of my biggest goals was to build my confidence and become more comfortable with who I am. Over time, pageantry taught me so much about self-belief, perseverance and using my voice. I also wanted my journey to be about more than just the crown.

“I saw pageantry as an opportunity to build a platform where I could give back to my community, support causes that are important to me, inspire young people and make a positive difference. What started with being inspired by my cousin has grown into a journey that has helped me discover my purpose and the kind of impact I want to make,” Mthembu added.

According to the 16-year-old, pageantry and modelling have taught her that confidence is not about never feeling nervous or unsure of yourself, but about learning to believe in yourself and stepping forward anyway.

She has learned the importance of discipline because balancing school, training, events and commitments requires consistency and good time management.

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Most importantly, Mthembu’s journey has taught her self-belief. There have been moments when she had to step outside her comfort zone, but each experience has helped her grow and become more confident in who she is. She has learned to trust herself, keep working towards her goals and never let setbacks stop her from moving forward.

Balancing schoolwork with modelling, pageants, training and other commitments can be challenging, but Mthembu has learned to manage her time and stay organised.

“I make sure that my schoolwork and studies remain a priority, while planning my modelling and pageant commitments around my school schedule. I try to stay ahead with assignments and studying so that I can fully focus when I have pageant events, training or photoshoots.

“It has taught me a lot about time management, responsibility and discipline, and I’ve learned that with good planning, it is possible to pursue my passions while still staying committed to my education,” Mthembu further added.

Mthembu mentioned that her coach, Charné van Eeden, has been one of the biggest sources of support throughout her journey. According to Mthembu, van Eeden has guided her, encouraged her and always knows how to calm her nerves with the pep talks she gives Mthembu before she goes on stage.Van Eeden also always makes sure that Mthembu looks and feels her best before she steps onto the stage, and her guidance has helped the 16-year-old to grow both personally and as a model.

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Mthembu’s family has also played a huge role in her journey. They are always there to encourage her, support her dreams and look out for her every step of the way.

The model’s friends have been just as important, and as they always say, they are her “biggest fans”. Their encouragement and excitement for everything she does mean so much to Mthembu.

Having people who believe in her, encourage her and celebrate her achievements has made this journey even more special, and she is incredibly grateful for all of them.

“One of my most memorable experiences so far was winning Senior Supreme Overall at Face of Spring Beauty. This achievement was especially meaningful to me because I dedicated the pageant to my late grandmother, who was a spring baby.

Winning the overall title made the moment even more special because I felt that I was carrying a piece of her with me throughout the experience.

“It was more than just winning a title; it was a way of honouring her memory and making her part of my journey. It is an achievement that I will always hold close to my heart,” Mthembu said.

Mthembu’s future goal is to continue growing in the modelling and pageantry industry and, one day, become Miss South Africa. She is currently working towards that goal by developing her confidence, gaining experience and using every opportunity to learn and grow.

She also hopes to compete in an international pageant next year, which would be an exciting opportunity for Mthembu to represent her country on an international stage.

Beyond the titles, Mthembu wants to continue building her platform, inspiring others and using her journey to give back to her community. The 16-year-old’s goal is to keep growing, challenging herself and making a positive impact through everything she does.