South Africa marks Women’s Month, Bakerton resident Aaliyah Dada (19) is embracing the opportunities that come with being a young woman determined to create her own path after being crowned Miss Teen Supranational South Africa 2026.

Dada, who recently participated in the Miss Teen World South Africa competition, will represent South Africa at the Miss Teen Supranational international competition in Ecuador in November.

She told the Springs Advertiser that Women’s Month reminds her of the women who fought for the opportunities available to young women today.

“Women before us have fought for opportunities that we have today and I think it’s our responsibility to appreciate that, support one another and continue creating opportunities for the young women who come after us,” she said.

For the young beauty queen, the title is about more than wearing a crown.

It represents a goal she worked towards while challenging herself to step outside her comfort zone and use pageantry as a platform to inspire others.

“I’m still learning who I am and what I want my future to look like and I think that’s something to embrace rather than rush,” said Dada.

Reflecting on the moment she was crowned, Dada said she was overwhelmed by a mixture of emotions.

She recalled thinking about the preparation, nerves, hard work and the people who supported her throughout the journey.

“Hearing my name called was something I will never forget and it felt like a dream that had suddenly become real,” she said.

The 19-year-old said winning the title is particularly meaningful because she is from Springs, which she considers home.

“I’m proud that someone from our community gets to take this opportunity onto a national and international stage.

“I hope my journey can show other young people from Springs that you do not have to come from a big city to have big dreams,” shared Dada.

Her journey has also been supported by Springs beauty queen Bejandri Lourens, who is mentoring her as she prepares for the next stage of her pageant journey.

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One of the biggest lessons Lourens has taught her is that confidence does not mean trying to become someone else.

She has also learned that pageantry goes beyond appearance and includes how a contestant carries herself, communicates and treats other people.

Having a mentor from Springs has also helped Dada feel less overwhelmed as she prepares to represent her country internationally.

“Lourens knows what it is like to have big dreams while coming from a smaller community and she understands the excitement and pressure that comes with representing your home,” she said.

As she prepares to step onto an international stage, Dada acknowledges the pressure that comes with representing other young women but says she tries to remain authentic rather than strive for perfection.

“If another young woman can look at my journey and feel encouraged to pursue something she dreams about, then that makes the pressure worthwhile,” she said.

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She encourages other young women not to wait for someone else to tell them they are capable. For Dada, representing Springs internationally is a responsibility she does not take lightly.

The young titleholder said she wants people to see the talent, ambition and determination that exists within the Springs community.

While the crown is an honour, Dada indicated that she sees it as carrying a responsibility to grow, inspire others and make her community proud.

“I would like people to know that this journey is about much more than a crown for me,” she said.

Dada is already looking beyond the international competition, saying she wants to continue focusing on her education, personal growth and the things she is passionate about.

She hopes to build something meaningful while continuing to inspire young people.

“I don’t know exactly where life will take me yet, but I know I want to use the opportunities I receive to make a positive difference and leave an impact that goes beyond a title,” she concluded.