Miss Teen Universe runner-up from Vorna Valley shares her journey and plans post pageantry
Esther Bayeye (19) says she is happy with the first runner-up crown although she was eyeing the Miss Teen Universe title.

Vorna Valley model Esther Bayeye was crowned Miss Teen Universe’s first runner-up and said she would cherish this moment until her last days.
When reflecting on the finale in Kimberly in November last year, Bayeye (19) said preparing for an international pageant was nothing near to preparing for a national one.
Her pageantry began when she competed for and won Miss Teen Universe South Africa 2024 which qualified her to compete in Miss Teen Universe which was hosted by South Africa.
“A lot of time, sweat and tears go into preparations and as the host country, I naturally felt obligated to do well and make our country proud,” she said.
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“The journey was hard but I wouldn’t trade it for any other experience, I had an amazing time during my reign and competing as ‘South Africa’. At first, I was filled with joy and sadness because 2021 was the last time we were close to winning the crown when Ntando Sgudla finished as first runner-up as well. So I was happy to have brought us close to the crown again two years later.”

Asked how she would juggle the two titles she said, “Before my reign ends in March of 2025, I will continue to work and uphold the prestigious title of Miss Teen Universe South Africa. During my reign and after my reign, I will continue working on my advocacy which is ’embracing diversity’, visiting the orphanage I adopted in Mpumalanga called Tiyimiseleni Orphanage in a small town near Kruger National Park.”
Bayeye concluded by thanking everyone who supported her, saying their support had been incredible and heartwarming. “May God bless them all.”
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