Birchleigh celebrates Mr and Ms 2026 title holders

Learners, parents, educators and community members gathered at Hoërskool Birchleigh on May 9 as the school crowned its Mr and Ms Hoërskool Birchleigh 2026 title holders.

More than 20 learners participated in the competition, showcasing not only their modelling abilities and confidence, but also their commitment to representing fellow learners and making a positive impact within the school community.

The event created an energetic atmosphere, with the audience cheering on contestants throughout the evening and supporting participants regardless of any mistakes made during the competition.

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Grade 11 learner and newly crowned Senior Queen, Mogethwa Zulu, said she entered the competition to challenge herself and inspire others.

“I was encouraged to participate because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and represent my school with confidence. The chance to showcase leadership, talent and school spirit motivated me.

“I also saw it as an opportunity to inspire other learners to get involved and believe in themselves,” she said.

Zulu added that she hopes to promote unity and inclusivity at the school through student-led initiatives.

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“I plan to promote unity and inclusivity by organising more student-led events that bring different grades together. I also want to start a peer support initiative to help learners with academics and well-being.

“I’ll execute this by working closely with the SRC, teachers and fellow learners to plan, communicate and follow through on these ideas step by step,” she explained.

The competition opened with participants dressed in traditional attire, where they shared aspects of their cultural backgrounds and traditions with the audience. Some contestants also introduced their clan names, proudly showcasing their heritage.

Nkateko Lukhele, who was crowned Junior Queen, said the competition allowed her to express herself while promoting unity within the school.

“Mr and Ms Birchleigh was an option to express and explore myself, which allowed me to participate and enjoy.

“As Ms Junior Birchleigh, I would want to change the ongoing wave of unity in our school. I want the school to be united as one so we can thrive together,” she said.

“I want to bring unity within our culture, academics and sports. I want to start a weekly update on cultural, academic and sports achievements. That’s where the school can start to be united.

“As we are all equally funded, celebrated and respected, we can be one with each other and not undermine one another.”

Contestants later appeared in casual wear, beach wear and formal wear, impressing the audience with their fashion sense and stage presence.

Junior King Lefa Ratau said he hopes to encourage teamwork, school spirit and respect among learners.
“I also want to encourage more school spirit, teamwork and respect among learners.

“To make this happen, I would work together with teachers, school leaders and fellow learners to organise motivational sessions, awareness campaigns, fun school activities and clean-up projects,” he said.

“I believe change starts with action and leading by example. By listening to others, supporting one another and staying united as a school, we can create a better and more positive environment for everyone.”

During the question-and-answer sessions, many participants shared their visions for the school should they win the titles.

These included programmes aimed at promoting equality, supporting learners whose voices are not heard, prioritising mental health and encouraging peace and unity among learners regardless of race, gender, age or beliefs.

Mzikayise Edom was crowned Senior King, alongside Senior Queen Mogethwa Zulu, Junior Queen Nkateko Lukhele and Junior King Lefa Ratau.

Reflecting on his win, Edom said he hopes to inspire learners to value themselves and build confidence.

“What encouraged me to join Mr and Ms Birchleigh was to inspire students, and the experience was really good.

The changes I am planning to do at my school is to let students know that having their own high personal self-esteem is really important. I’m planning on executing it by motivating them and speaking for the voiceless,” he said.

The final results were:
Seniors
• First princess: Natasha Adeboye
• First prince: Maphuthi Kgabe
• Second princess: Emihle Matshingana
• Second prince: Kgopotso Bambo
Juniors
• First princess: Bomolemo Ramatwi
• First prince: Sthembinkosi Twala
• Second princess: Tsholofelo Morifi
• Second prince: Bophelo Nkatha