The recent Miss Teen RandWest 2025 competition not only celebrated inner beauty but also instilled pride in culture and youth empowerment.

The event, held on November 1, saw Meagan May (16) crowned as Miss Teen RandWest 2025.

Meagan expressed how blessed she feels and can not believe she achieved something so great. She also wants to be the voice for the voiceless.

“There are a lot of women who are trying to speak up, but they are too scared. I think victims of gender-based violence should not be afraid to make their voices heard,” Meagan expressed.

According to the founder of the competition, Mapule Ratsoeu, the competition aims to promote confidence and encourage young people to participate in community service.

Mapule described beauty as a combination of inner qualities such as kindness, intelligence, and charisma. She added that some competitions have broadened eligibility criteria, including age, marital status, and gender identity, to be more inclusive. The focus, however, remains on celebrating diversity and inner beauty.

“These competitions contribute to local cultural values by promoting inclusivity and community engagement. They inspire youth to develop a mindset of helping underprivileged communities, benefiting society in the long run,” she said.

On a social level, many of these competitions empower young women. Mapule noted this includes supporting feminism and advocating for women who have experienced gender-based violence or domestic abuse.

Winners, who may have faced social challenges themselves, can also receive scholarships and career opportunities.

“This ensures that charitable initiatives go beyond symbolism by working closely with organisations and tracking the outcomes of their efforts,” Mapule explained.