Bokang Montjane, former Miss South Africa, has not been resting on her laurels since being crowned the most beautiful woman in the country in 2010. 
She has been busying herself with initiatives aimed at helping young girls and boys through motivational speaking. 
This beauty was born in Limpopo. Bokang told learners at Thalana High School last Wednesday that her company, Bokang Legacy, aims to encourage young girls and boys to pursue their dreams. 
“My programme aims at promoting talent as well as building confidence. I also encourage young people who are passionate about benefiting their communities to pursue sustainable careers,” said Bokang. 
She also told learners that they must not compromise their education. She shared her story with learners and educators: she was supposed to take part in Miss South Africa 2009, “But because the date clashed with my University final examinations I had to withdraw from competing in Miss South Africa 2009. 
“That decision shocked many people. When I finished my examinations in 2010 I decided to take part. 
“Organisers of that competition asked me why I had pulled out. I told them that I had to think very carefully about what I wanted from my life. I told them that I will never sacrifice my education to become Miss South Africa, but look – today I have passed my studies at University and I was the former Miss South Africa.” 
Miss Bokang was supposed to be accompanied by Kaizer Chiefs soccer star Siphiwe Tshabalala, but he could not make it as a result of training for the closing of the soccer season. 
Bokang, however, still introduced Siphwe Tshabalala’s foundation. She said the aim of his foundation is to engage school-going youths in activities that help to reduce substance abuse among the youth.
The foundation also deals teenage pregnancy and HIV/Aids. It aims to empower the youth through sport. Bokang was accompanied by representatives of her sponsor, Cell C, and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). 
A local leader, Naresh Gopie, who initiated the function, told the Courier that his daughter is also working together with Miss Bokang. Mr Gopie said that when he heard about Miss Bokang’s company’s role in developing the youth he felt that it would be beneficial to young people to invite Miss Bokang to motivate learners. 
In his statement he said he felt proud and privileged that he was afforded the opportunity to address the youth during this educational expedition brought about by the Bokang Legacy and the Foundation for Soccer. 
“It is clear that Bokang and Tshabalala have acknowledged their social responsibilities, and I want to say to you thank you very much for the opportunity for Thalana High School and its learners, and of course for helping to put Dundee on the map,” he added. He encouraged the youth by saying, “Education is the great engine of personal development, and wasting time today will affect your career tomorrow.” 
He said some will end up at the front, while others will be left behind.