Vorna Valley teenager crowned Miss Teen Universe SA despite flight challenges
Bayeye’s mother, Shirley Nailantei on behalf of Didier Bayeye, vows to support their daughter until she reaches her dream of being a well-known model.
Just one year after starting pageantry, Esther Bayeye from Vorna Valley has made a name for herself after being crowned Miss Teen Universe South Africa 2024.
The teenager said she did not only do pageantry because of the glitz and glamour but more for her advocacy and helping people.
Speaking at her home on May 17, she said she advocates for people born in South Africa by foreign parents who are also in the country.
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Bayeye (18) said when she was younger she always spoke about how she always wanted to be a well-known model, but only starting applying in 2023.
Narrating her journey, which came via the late entries, Bayeye said the journey was not that easy which included the financial costs of the process.
“It was never an easy journey because, during the pageantry weekend, we missed our flight and only arrived there almost three hours late. There were various titles within the pageantry, but my goal was to win the main title – which is the current one that I was crowned.”
The former Halfway House Primary and Midrand High learner said she believed in herself. She said after winning, she is now under pressure to clinch the upcoming international title, Miss Teen Universe, as it will be hosted in South Africa later this year.
“In November, South Africa will host Miss Teen Universe. Other countries are coming here, and the competition might be tight. However, I believe in myself and I know that I can achieve it. I am putting every expectation on myself but there is that pressure.”
Also read: Blue Hills College learners bags Miss Spectacular Teen SA 2023
She said she hopes to be the first South African to win Miss Teen Universe. Bayeye said her parents and two of her younger sisters were ecstatic about her achievement.
The avid sports lover has played various sports including tennis, ballet, and drum majorettes, where she achieved her Federation of Dance Drill, Cheerleading and Majorette Sport South Africa National awards in 2021 and represented South Africa in 2023 in Croatia.
Bayeye’s mother, Shirley Nailantei on behalf of Didier Bayeye, described their daughter as a go-getter and brave.
“She is a respectful child and helps around the house but then also a go-getter who has pushed herself to the level that she has reached. She believes she deserves the best and that is how her life approach should be. She’s also in various sports and very competitive and we are very proud of her.”
She added they will support her where they can and ensure that their daughter achieves what she wants.
Anyone willing to support and sponsor Esther Bayeye, can contact ebayeye@gmail.com
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