Young models from ACE Models Potchefstroom and surrounding areas are preparing to take the national stage as finalists in the Mr & Miss ACE Models International 2026 competition this coming December in Centurion.

The junior section (under 12 years) features Mpho Hlahasoane, Rejanke Helm and Mila de Bruyn in the girls’ category, and Logan Workel and Mhlengi Sibiya in the boys’ category.

The senior section (13 years and older) includes Beulah Behrens and Phenyo Sebetlele in the ladies’ category, and Austin Coetzee in the gents’ category.

For these finalists, the journey is about more than winning a crown. It is also an opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills, make friendships and grow through the experience of modelling.

Phenyo Sebetlele (21), a former Saints Christian School learner and Potch resident, has been modelling for the past two years and has already won several crowns. She says her confidence has grown significantly during this time.

For her, the finals offer an opportunity to connect with other models and see how they develop and progress in the industry.

“My favourite part about ACE is the ACE Models Conference, which we have every year. At the conference, we get to meet different branches and compete against other ACE branches. That is a really nice experience for me.

“The confidence classes, public-speaking classes and all the other lessons also make a big impact. Even if you do not see the impact in one day, you can look back over the years and see the difference,” explains Phenyo.

Rijanke Helm (9), from Carletonville, exudes confidence and has a bold personality.

“Being named a Miss ACE 2026 finalist is a dream come true, and I am honoured and grateful for the opportunities this journey has brought. I have loved modelling from a young age, as it has taught me to believe in myself, work hard, build my confidence and meet amazing people.

“Being part of Miss ACE is about more than modelling. Every workshop, runway and challenge helps me grow, learn valuable life skills and become a more confident person. I hope to inspire others to follow their dreams with confidence, kindness and determination.”

Mhlengi Sibiya says he is looking forward to enjoying the experience and meeting up with friends at the competition.

“I enjoy being a role model to others and showing them that they can achieve their dreams. I also want to do my best and hopefully win,” he says.

Beulah Behrens (13), says she wants to continue improving her modelling skills, and sees the national finals as a valuable opportunity to do so.

“I want to be able to step onto the stage and do my best. That is the reason I entered the competition,” she says.

Austin Coetzee (18), a proud matric learner of Overvaal High School in Vereeniging, is also among the newly announced Mr ACE International finalists.

“I want to show young people that you can chase more than one dream. With discipline and respect, you can achieve anything,” he says.

Mila de Bruyn, who has been part of ACE Models for a year, says she continues to learn and improve with every opportunity.

“I have improved a lot with my steps, and that encourages me. I just want to do my best in the finals. Modelling is very uplifting and gives me the opportunity to meet awesome people,” she says.

Mpho Hlahasoane (6), a child model and Grade R learner at Aster Academy in Carletonville, says one of her proudest moments is remembering a runway walk.

Her mother, Thando, says she is happy to see her daughter smiling and enjoying herself whenever she participates, while also noticing how much she has grown through the experience.