Miss Earth semi-finalist committed to reduce environmental change

A semi-finalist in Miss Earth South Africa is an aspiring clinical psychologist who also cares for all things green.

Tshepang Mofokeng (24) is a purpose-driven woman who believes each individual has the power to create a world and future they want to live in.

Tshepang is originally from Johannesburg but is pursuing her Master’s degree in pastoral studies at North-West University. She has been a volunteer for church ministries but is actually passionate about counselling. Her studies in theology would broaden her scope of practice, however.

The Miss Earth SA competition is the first empowering programme she has participated in. “I was ecstatic and honoured to have made it this far,” she said. She first entered the competition in 2016, when she made it into the regional semi-finals. This time, she has made it much further. Before she was selected as a semi-finalist in June, she underwent an online interview process.

Being in this position has made her realise that she has to become a leader for broader communities and an active citizen. She has been actively educating and empowering community members on environmental preservation, the practice of intentionally protecting the environment.

Environmental and social issues are some of the topics she’s most passionate about, especially waste management and disposal practices. She does this through community clean-ups and tree planting.

As part of their tree planting project, Tshepang planted ten oak trees at a primary school in Tembisa, Gauteng. She continued the venture and planted more trees in Potchefstroom. “The tree-planting project was enjoyable because when I started the programme, I had no idea how to do it. As a result, I was given a tree-planting crash course by the nursery that donated the trees and some staff members at the school,” she said.

She believes planting trees is one of the ways to keep communities clean and safe; trees absorb pollutant gases and decontaminate the air.

She looks up to the environmentalist, Catherine Constantinides. Both share the same passion for advocating for topical issues on the environment and society. Catherine’s bravery and tenacity are qualities that inspire Tshepang. “People like that make me realise that nothing is impossible and that we all have it within ourselves to achieve anything we set our minds to,” she said.

Tshepang is an introvert, but her compassion for people and mental health is greater. She also loves music and academia.

Malefa Mofokeng, Tshepang’s mother, is one of the people who have supported her on her journey. She sometimes worries about whether she can juggle both her studies and the competition, but continues to believe in her daughter and her potential. “She encourages me to reach for the stars daily and never to stop pursuing my dreams,” said Tshepang.

She hopes to continue greening our communities so that we will see a reduction in climate change. This will ensure that people all live in a clean, safe and healthy environment. Tshepang believes we all have a responsibility to take care of our planet for ourselves and the generations to come. “Earth is our only home and there’s no Planet B.” She said that change would come if we all commit ourselves to at least one act of sustainability. She urged people to observe the five Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink and respect.

She quoted Tony Robbins and said, “If you change nothing, nothing will change”.