Beauty queen at only nineteen
Newly crowned Miss Toronto, Gr 12 learner Tshegofatso, aspires to uplift her community
POLOKWANE – Tshegofatso Letsoalo (19), a Gr 12 learner from Ramathope Secondary School in Nobody outside Polokwane, was crowned the first Miss Toronto 2016.
The pageant was recently held at Toronto Primary School in Mankweng.
Letsoalo says she was inspired by Advie Modau, a 20-year-old model from Nobody. The newly crowned queen plans to study media studies at the University of Limpopo (UL) after high school.
She says she was motivated by the support of her family which she is very grateful for.
“Being crowned Miss Toronto 2016 really means a lot to me as it has always been my wish to win a beauty pageant. I feel happy, honoured and a little overwhelmed after winning this title,” says Letsoalo. “I just want to thank everyone who helped me get to where I am today,” she says.
She plans to do charity work within her community.
“I look forward to representing my community. The problems of teenage pregnancy and alcohol and drug abuse are abundant; I want to help resolve these issues in my community,” she says.
According to pageant organiser, Mafora Mamabolo, the Miss Toronto pageant might become an annual event.
Mamabolo says the purpose of the pageant is to encourage girls from rural areas to follow their dreams of becoming models as many people do not take the occupation seriously.
“This pageant also served as a way of teaching our young girls to love and appreciate their appearance and embrace their beauty,” Mamabolo explains.
“We hope this will motivate our youths to pursue their goals and also bring more entertainment to our community,” she adds.
