Angel Nkosi (19) from Middelburg Ext 24 is on a mission to bring dignity, health education and basic hygiene supplies to young girls in need.

Representing the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality as a finalist in the Miss Teen Emalahleni pageant, Nkosi wrapped up a charitable campaign at Khulunolwazi Primary School in Ext 24 last week.

Nkosi successfully donated more than 100 packets of sanitary towels to schoolgirls.

She said she started the initiative after witnessing that young girls in her community could not afford basic menstrual hygiene products.

Overcoming obstacles

“I believe that no girl should skip school or use toilet paper as an alternative for sanitary towels,” she said.

“No girl should have to choose between attending school and managing her period. Every girl deserves to experience her period with dignity and without shame.”

“However, the path to making a difference was far from easy. I used to feel discouraged when my initial appeals for community support failed. I had expectations that were not met.”

Rather than giving up, she sought assistance from a local business.

Nkosi added that her persistence paid off when a local filling station in Middelburg stepped in by creating promotional posters and placing a donation box inside its garage shop for customers to contribute.

Inspiring future leaders

“I am very grateful for the support and that my work is recognised,” she said. “I collected the donations and delivered them to Khulunolwazi Primary School, where learners had no idea where their next sanitary towels would come from.”

She highlighted that something as basic as sanitary towels can give a girl dignity, confidence and an opportunity to continue comfortably with her education.

Looking to the future, Nkosi said she draws inspiration from former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, as she admires her confidence and empowerment work.

“I have ambitious plans for my own life. I am aiming to combine my passion for community work with a career in law. I am hoping that my journey serves as a blueprint for other aspiring young leaders.”

She said her vision is to start an organisation where businesses and community members can get involved.

The crowning of Miss Teen Emalahleni will take place at the New Life Church in eMalahleni on Saturday, September 26.