Tzaneen teen rises from adversity to inspire
At just 18, Vukosi Mathye inspires as a Miss Drag SA finalist and founder of Pathfinders Unite mentorship.
LIMPOPO – 18-year-old Vukosi Mathye is demonstrating that resilience and determination can overcome adversity. Growing up gay in Mokgolobotho village, Tzaneen, was never easy. Discrimination and shame were constant companions, but Mathye says those struggles shaped a resilient individual eager to pursue their dreams.
At just 15, and without sponsorship, Mathye organised the Miss Mokgolobotho pageant. The goal was to empower girls in the community, give them visibility, and teach leadership, a quality Mathye considers essential. Academic success followed soon after. With five distinctions in matric, Mathye gained admission to the University of the Witwatersrand, with a mission to inspire other queer youth.
“I consider myself the luckiest to have a family that not only loves me but accepts me,” Mathye says. “My parents are my biggest supporters, and I know I am where I am today because of their unwavering love. My community didn’t approve of my identity at first, but I proved to them that I don’t need their approval to live my life. Today, I feel seen, loved, and supported.”
Though new to drag performance, Mathye believes passion is more important than experience. “Being a Miss Drag South Africa finalist means representation. Seeing people from Limpopo compete before me proved that I belong in those spaces. I hope to inspire young minds to dream bigger than they ever imagined.”
Mathye is also the founder of Pathfinders Unite, a mentorship program providing study support, career guidance, and free university application assistance. The initiative has already helped over ten learners gain admission to higher education. “Education is the key to everything you set your sights on,” Mathye explains.
Looking ahead, Mathye dreams of expanding Pathfinders Unite nationwide, completing an LLB degree, pursuing Medicine (MBChB), and ultimately becoming one of South Africa’s law-making leaders.
“Whether I win or not, I will keep working to fight social injustice through education,” Mathye says. “Success for me is waking up every day with a purpose and serving the people.”
