Lerato wears TSSD crown

POLOKWANE – LERATO Malatjie (18) from Tzaneen was crowned the first Miss Tlou Segolela Sports Development (TSSD) at a (PHOTO GALLERY) beauty pageant that took place at Miami Lodge in Polokwane on December 16.

Lerato started her modelling career in 2011 when she joined the Limpopo Beauty Modelling Agency.

She said she was honoured to be crowned the first Miss TSSD and would use her title to encourage young people who wanted to follow a modelling career.

“It is an overwhelming experience and the title will motivate me to enter larger pageants in the future.

“I believe that the title will open doors for me in the modelling industry. I want to enter the Miss Sundowns beauty pageant this year and I am certain that I will do my best and eventually win the crown.

“My brother Kagiso encouraged me to enter this pageant and I would like to thank him for his support, and for believing in me,” she said.

She added that she finished gr. 12 last year and would like to study economics this year.

Lerato said she had an interest in economics, excelled in the subject, and wanted to see South Africa’s economy improve.

“This year is mine. I want to achieve as much as possible and take my modelling career to the next level. This beauty pageant gave me confidence and I would like to thank the sponsors for the opportunity they granted me,” she further said.

Other titles she holds include Miss Independent Giant 2012, Miss Ben Vorster High School first princess and King and Queen World South Africa 2014 first princess.

Lerato urged young people to be wise and to focus on their future.

She added that young people should look up to world icons such as Nelson Mandela.

“Money is scarce, so young people should not let empty pockets drag them down. Instead they should work harder to live decent lives.”