Chrizmie Mostert was recently crowned Teen Model World 2026 after travelling to Bogotá, Colombia, where she proudly represented Newcastle and South Africa at the prestigious Mini Model World 2026 competition.

The Newcastle Advertiser sat down with Chrizmie to learn more about her journey and what went through her mind the moment she realised she had won such a prestigious title.

According to Chrizmie, it was one of the most incredible moments of her life. “While in Colombia, I learned some Spanish and could understand parts of the announcements,” she quipped.

Standing hand-in-hand with Miss Peru, she recalled the moment she waited for the final result.

“While waiting for the final result, I looked up and prayed. When Peru was announced as first runner-up, I realised I had won. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and immediately hugged her as tears filled my eyes.”

According to Chrizmie, becoming the first teen in the history of Miss Teen Universe South Africa to win an international world title made her incredibly proud. “This achievement represents two years of hard work, sacrifice and dedication,” she said.

Small-town roots inspire big achievement

Chrizmie explained that coming from a small town in KwaZulu-Natal made the achievement even more meaningful.

She and her mother often travelled to Johannesburg and Durban to find dresses, shoes and other competition essentials, as they did not always have access to the same resources available in larger cities.

Returning home after winning an international title and receiving such a warm welcome from her community reminded her of how special Newcastle is.

“I hope my journey shows young people from small towns that big dreams are possible.”

Fashion, according to Chrizmie, has always been close to her heart. She has loved modelling, runway shows and creativity from a young age, and hopes to one day launch her own clothing line.

Her pageant journey began when she entered the Newcastle Winter Festival Pageant for fun and placed fourth without any formal training.

“That inspired me to take it further. With guidance from Amanda Siweh Ndlozi and later Thuli from Stride Institute, I developed my skills and went on to win Miss Teen Universe South Africa.”

Winning an international photogenic competition also showed her how closely photography, fashion and modelling are connected.

“When you find your passion, it becomes part of who you are,” she said.

Modelling becomes a platform for change

For Chrizmie, modelling is about more than fashion. It has become a platform to educate people about learning disabilities such as ADHD, dyslexia and dyscalculia.

“This journey has strengthened my message that learning differences do not define anyone’s future. This achievement belongs to every child who has ever felt different.”

During her reign as Miss Teen Universe South Africa, Chrizmie helped establish the Brain Bloom Foundation, which aims to advocate for and educate people about learning difficulties.

She believes modelling has also taught her to focus on her own journey and avoid comparing herself with others. Confidence, according to Chrizmie, comes from preparation, discipline and believing in oneself.

Her goal has always been to build a career in fashion and runway modelling.

“I dream of walking international runways, working with designers around the world, and inspiring others. Being selected as a showstopper for designer Fredya Valentina Mendez during the competition was a highlight. I see fashion as art and hope to work with global brands while exploring new cultures and languages,” she explained.

When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Chrizmie said: “Keep being yourself. Success requires sacrifice, hard work and perseverance. There will be moments of doubt, but choose to never stop believing in yourself because your dreams are worth it.”

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