North teens striving to be positive role models

Two teens in the north of Pretoria are looking to become positive role models for their communities after they rose to the forefront of a local beauty pageant recently.

The year 2024 had been a monumental one for Chamaine Raedani and Tholakele Mathibela.

Raedani has been the reigning Miss Teen Gauteng since December 8 and Mathibela was crowned as Miss Teen Township PTA 2024 on October 18.

They represent a new generation of empowerment using their platforms to address key issues like mental health and self-confidence among teenagers.

Hailing from The Orchards, 16-year-old Raedani has embarked on a mission to uplift her community.

“My journey in the Miss Gauteng pageant was amazing, from start to end. We were guided by our pageant coach through every task.

“My support system throughout the pageant was my family. Both my parents were always there for me from the brainstorming process to the execution. They always made sure to support my decision and work with me towards achieving the goal and my siblings always helped wherever they could and for that, I am truly grateful for them,” said Radeani.

She said her title as Miss Teen Gauteng is only the beginning of her queen journey. It is another step forward. Her true goal is to align her passion and inspiration for being in pageantry by empowering young women, community services and making a positive impact.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be in the Miss Gauteng sisterhood. Overall, it couldn’t be possible without God.

“With the crown, I will humbly serve as a beacon of hope, a vessel of inspiration. I envisioned my role in the pageant as a title holder, inspiring more people to become the best versions of themselves and most importantly being a true queen in my reign.”

Across the community, 15-year-old Mathibela from Montana has become a beacon of hope and a voice for teen mental health.

Her crowning as Miss Teen Town PTA 2024 is more than a title, it’s an opportunity to amplify her message of self-acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity.

“I never thought I would be Miss Teen Township PTA. When I entered, I wasn’t just looking for the crown, I wanted to challenge myself,” reflected Mathibela.

She shared that her motivation behind entering the pageant was to push her limits and inspire others.

“Growing up in a township, I witnessed the challenges teens face, from peer pressure to societal expectations.

My biggest hurdle in the competition was maintaining my confidence in a room full of talented competitors,” she said.

“It was intimidating at times, but I remembered why I was doing it, to represent young girls who need to see that anything is possible.”

Mathibela’s passion for mental health stems from her struggles.

“I had moments when I doubted myself and felt overwhelmed by anxiety. I mean teenagers in townships often don’t have the resources or support systems they need to deal with mental health issues. It’s a conversation we need to have more openly,” she said.

Mathibela is determined to use her title to lead mental health awareness initiatives in her community.

“My goal is to break the stigma around mental health and show young people that it’s okay to ask for help,” said Mathibela.

The rise of these two young women marks a shift in the way beauty queens are perceived.

They are not just figureheads, they are changemakers, advocates, and role models for the next generation of township youth.

With their crowns, they carry the hopes and dreams of many, reminding us that greatness can be achieved regardless of where you come from.

Also read: Teens give back to raise hope

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