The charming and bubbly Gugulethu Sithole has become a public figure in her community and is determined to use that to her advantage to uplift young girls as the current reigning Miss Pienaar 2021/22.

This was the 19-year-old’s dream, and achieving it meant she will play role in developing lives and restoring the dignity of many young girls.

According to Sithole, winning the crown last year was a depiction of her potential, and believes she could be more than Miss Pienaar.

“My life has change drastically ever since I became Miss Pienaar. Besides the respect that community members show me, I have become a role model who young girls look up to. I can say that the title comes with great responsibility that most people overlook, assuming it is just for fun,” she said.

“I am a confident young woman today because of the Miss Pienaar organistion. My self-esteem was boosted and I continue to grow to be an emotionally strong woman. Girls, especially from villages, find it hard to believe in themselves, and the organisation has allowed me to reach such girls and help them build their self-esteem. I believe we are nothing without our dreams and we need emotional growth to achieve them.”

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Sithole said interacting with children during her campaigns for Miss Pienaar has been a drive to realise the passion she has for children, a reason she plans on pursuing a career in education.

“Teachers influence children in important ways. I want to play a part in developing our future presidents and leaders in Mpumalanga.”

She said she plans on entering Miss Mpumalanga Heritage soon to continue advocating for young girls to be proud of their heritage and to also showcase the beauty of their home province.

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“Mpumalanga offers great heritage, people, and surroundings. I believe we should be proud for offering these to the world. We need to remind girls that wearing a traditional skirt is not a shame. Our heritage should be our pride,” she said.