Mpumalanga celebrates Bajabulise Thela’s return after pageant win
The KaNyamazane beauty now prepares to represent South Africa on the international stage in Puerto Rico.
Community members from across Mpumalanga gathered at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to welcome Bajabulise Thela home on Thursday, July 30.
The KaNyamazane beauty was crowned Miss African Beauty Universe South Africa in Menlyn, Pretoria, on July 18.
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Model sets sights on global stage
Thela will represent Mzansi as Miss Universe South Africa at the Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico in November.
The model is a qualified flight attendant and the founder of the Mambane Foundation. She has also previously been crowned Miss Teen Grand 2021, Miss Teen Universe 2023 and Miss Mpumalanga 2024.
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Thela thanks community for support
During her speech at the homecoming, Thela expressed gratitude to the community that supported and voted for her throughout her journey. She said that without their support, she would not be where she is today.
“I always say dreams do come true, and today I am saying it with my heart filled with joy. I could have given up so many times, but I did not because it is important to believe in yourself and your dreams. Today I am standing here with pride and joy because I did it, and you are all aware of how many times I tried. Now I finally made it; my dream has become a reality,” she said.
