Thatohatse Moila hopes to win Miss Teen Regional Gauteng
When asked what she hopes for, the 18-year-old said she hopes she wins the pageant as she believes she will carry the title of a queen.
Thatohatse Moila of Naturena is a Miss Teen Regional Gauteng Province finalist of 2023.
When asked what she hopes for, the 18-year-old learner from Hoërskool President High School said she hopes she wins the pageant as she believes she will carry the title of a queen.
“I believe the level of my confidence, intelligence and how I represent myself will get me the crown.
“I entered the pageant because of a few reasons. Firstly because my aunt, who was also in the pageantry space and second runner-up in the Miss South Africa 2014, inspired me. Secondly, Zozibini Tunzi, Miss Universe 2019, further inspired me.
“Thirdly, I entered the pageant because I would like to educate young people on the importance of mental health and well-being. People my age find it difficult to express themselves due to our parents’ inability to understand us and today’s modesty. I witnessed many teenagers fall into depression as a result of a lack of mental health education and how to balance the mind, body, and spirit.
“I was diagnosed with anxiety in 2019 as a result of not being able to handle what the world had to offer. I quickly overcame it,” said Thatohatse.
She said she wanted to be a model since she was 12, but always assumed it was all about beauty.
“People have always perceived me as a model, owing to my height and features. Since then, I have decided that one day I will be one of your South African supermodels, flying our flag high. Progressing in the industry will allow me to learn more about what the world has to offer,” she said.
Thatohatse said as Miss Teen Regional Gauteng Province finalist, her journey has been both overwhelming and exciting and she can proudly say that she has learned a great deal.
“So far, I have been to an orphanage in Soweto, where many children have touched my heart and made me wish I could give them a better life.
“I have learned to be more optimistic and confident. I’m proud to say that I’ve formed a sisterhood with a few other ladies who have been in the industry for a while and from whom I’ve learned a lot.
“It is my second pageant, and I hope to participate in many more so that I can project my voice and reflect on the actions I have yet to take in my life.
“My biggest dream is to change people’s perceptions of pageants. It is not about beauty but also about learning about other aspects of life, such as working in the industry.
“I want to be a mirror for the girls who haven’t found the confidence to pursue their dreams. It is difficult to be yourself and find your place of comfort in this life.
“My dream is to own a modelling academy where I can provide a platform for other young stars to be themselves without being judged,” said Thatohatse.
