POLOKWANE – “I am currently studying towards a B.com in Human Resource Management with the University of Limpopo. I discovered my love for modelling in 2015, when I first entered for Miss DR WF NKOMO, the secondary school that I was attending and I was the second runner up. I can’t really explain the feeling I had but it was priceless, not only did I notice that I can showcase my beauty, but also that I can use beauty pageants as a platform to help change lives. The negative comments that I got from people pushed me to where I am right now, comments such as being short never stopped me from reaching my goals,” she explained.

Lesego is also a part time model and says she develops her own skills and knowledge by entering different beauty pageants, which is where she takes the opportunity to also learn from other beauty queens in the industry.

“In my spare time, I do acting and I one day wish to be featured on a popular television programme, soapie or series so that I can share my talent with South Africa. I also love reading books to increase my knowledge and I’m part of an NGO called ‘The Artistic Streets Gallery’, which aims at empowering woman. The current competition I have entered for is called The Miss Eagle South Africa 2018, which is a national pageant,” she explained.

MESA is a woman empowerment contest, using both beauty with brains to empower young woman to grow and develop themselves, whilst at the same time making a positive impact in their communities in turn.

“I learn a lot from partaking in this beauty pageant, most importantly I learn to be confident as a young woman and always aim to not only empower myself but also other young women out there,” she explained.

She says she has worked with local designers such as RVK.

“I’m hoping to inspire young people out there to follow their dreams and never let their physical appearances, disabilities stop them from doing what they are passionate about. I want to be the voice of all those people who were not given opportunities to pursue what they love because of the negative opinions of the society, I want to see myself as a giver of hope, a life changer and a role model. I pray to God that the beauty, brains and purpose that God has given me will take me throughout the world so that I may not only touch South African lives but the whole world. One of the hardest challenges I have been through as a pageant model was raising funds and getting sponsors for the pageants, as I come from a quite unstable background it is sometimes hard for me to pay for my pageant expenses but that didn’t stop me, it motivated me.”

The pageant began last year, in September and Lesego has reached the second level of the competition which is being a brand ambassador. The finals will be on the 15 December 2018 at Sandton Convention Centre and there will only be 10 Finalists (each queen from the nine provinces together with the public choice winner).

“I feel blessed to be part of the Miss Eagle South Africa family, I have grown and developed a lot of skills and knowledge about the fashion, beauty industry through engaging in the different levels,” she added on.

To vote for Lesego to win the Public choice award, the community can SMS: LESEGO to 35334.

Reporter29@nmgroup.co.za