Ivory Park model Neo Ntsoane is chasing a long-held ambition as a Miss Tembisa 2026 semi-finalist while using pageantry to uplift young girls.

For the former Midrand Eduvos student, becoming a mother did not mean her dreams had to end, even though for years she believed they might.

The 27-year-old once imagined herself walking international fashion runways, but financial challenges and changing life circumstances forced her to put those aspirations aside.

Read more: Modern model with a mission

Today, Ntsoane is discovering that pursuing her ambitions and raising her two daughters need not be mutually exclusive.

Her return to pageantry is not only about fulfilling a long-held dream, but also about rebuilding confidence and challenging the expectations society often places on young mothers.

Finding her way back to the runway

Her journey began in 2017 when her sister encouraged her to enter Miss Tembisa, recognising her passion for modelling. However, financial difficulties prevented her from pursuing the opportunity.

Although she initially remained hopeful of becoming a runway model, her interest in the industry gradually faded. After becoming a mother, she increasingly felt that her personal ambitions had to take a back seat.

“I had also experienced societal judgement that made me feel as though becoming a mother meant I had to put my personal dreams and ambitions aside,” she said.

Also read: Local model Caroline Mangane says thank you

Inspired by her cousin’s involvement in pageantry, Ntsoane began exploring the industry again in 2025, initially hoping to rebuild her self-esteem and public speaking skills.

With 2026 being her final opportunity to enter Miss Tembisa because of its age restriction, she decided to give herself another chance.

Making it through to the semi-finals was a proud moment, reminding her that the girl who had entered the competition in 2017 had never completely lost her ambition.

Uplifting young girls through community drives

However, Ntsoane’s renewed confidence has also allowed her to make a difference in her community. Through her pageant platform, she has implemented three initiatives focusing on mental wellness, girl empowerment and helping young girls feel valued.

On October 21 this year, she hosted a mental health awareness drive at Winnie Mandela Primary School, helping Grade 7 learners navigate examination stress through discussions, interactive activities and personalised examination timetables.

Three days later, she hosted Girlhood Unfiltered: A Sisterhood Picnic, bringing together girls aged 13 to 18 for conversations about relationships, personal goals and the challenges they face.

Her most recent initiative, a maintenance day and donation drive at Bulamahlo Home on November 1, involved caring for the girls through hair washing and braiding, reminding them that they mattered.

Ntsoane hopes her journey will encourage other young women who have put their dreams aside. “Motherhood, financial challenges and societal expectations should never become the boundaries of what we believe we can achieve,” she said. “Sometimes, all you need is the courage to start again.”

Vote for Ntsoane online via Beauty Ballot.

Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!