Miss Limpopo/Teen 2018 crowned, will be an ambassador

Tears, smiles and laughter were the order of the day when Gail Mokwatlo, 21, was named the winner of the Miss Limpopo 2018 title after impressing a panel of judges with her catwalk skills, appearance and presentation during the Miss Limpopo and Miss Limpopo Teen 2018 finals held at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World on Friday night.
Nine beauties competed in the Miss Limpopo category and eight went head to head in the Miss Limpopo Teen category.
Mokwatlo will be supported by Mmamote Kekana as the first princess and Khensani Khumalo as the second princess. Sibueng Ramatsokotla was named Miss Limpopo Teen and will be supported by Tamryn Terblanche and Phillistus Pohotona as the first and second princesses respectively.
Miss Limpopo Trust Chairperson, Matlakala Bopape said they were delighted to crown the winners despite it not having been a smooth journey. She stressed that the finalists had proved that they are smart, determined and passionate about modelling. She reminded that the pageant started with road shows to all parts of the province and workshops to educate young girls about the purpose of the pageant and what was required from the winners.
“The aim is to empower young women and we need young girls who are beautiful inside out and passionate about community work. We also realised that young people listen to their peers better hence the winners are required to organise gatherings where they will talk to youth on various subjects,” she explained and added that they wish communities and businesses can support the initiative more.
Mokwatlo won prizes worth R70 000 and Bopape described her as one of the best models and different from all the girls the pageant had attracted over the years. Mokwatlo told a panel of judges and attendees on the night that she had secured bursaries for 20 learners worth about R1,2 million and further said she would use the title to empower and help change the lives of other people across the province.
Miss Limpopo Teen
Phillistus Pohotona – Miss Congeniality.
Tamryn Terblanche – Miss Photogenic.
Miss Limpopo
Livhu Makhado – Miss Congeniality.
Marelize Comely – Miss Photogenic.
Miss Limpopo Teen Public Choice
Seipati Ralefatane.
Phillistus Pohotona.
Pheladi Mathabatha.
Miss Limpopo Public Choice
Gail Mokwatlo.
Makwena Matlala.
Phumzile Mkhoto.

Story & photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za