A former scholar from Bongiduvha Combined School and Allendale Secondary School was recently selected as a finalist in the Miss Remarkable pageant.

Keletso Monaiwa told WITBANK NEWS, “It’s amazing how my love for pageants started. My brother is a make-up artist, and he would do my make-up. We dressed up and would pretend as if we are doing a shoot for some famous designer. I enjoyed every moment of it, and I was happy with being behind the camera. Then I realised how happy and free I became. This helped me in boosting my confidence as I was too shy growing up. There’s happiness in doing what you love.”

She started doing pageants in 2016 when she entered Miss Teen Emalahleni, and made it to the finals.

She was also crowned the first princess of Miss Saint Paul’s High School where she matriculated.

After that, she made it to Face of Devotion Mpumalanga 2021 top five.

Keletso is a fashion model at Woch Abako and a director of Mr and Miss Supreme Sparkle Emalahleni.

Her highlights are meeting different personalities from different backgrounds ‒ the sisters and brothers she met throughout her journey are so amazing according to her.

She said her mother is her role model and added, “My mom is a fearless and powerful woman. She is a true definition of a strong woman who stands for who she is and those around her, a real go-getter. I’m very blessed to have her as my inspiration. Whenever I think of giving up, my mother is always there to give me more reasons to keep going.”

Keletso was speaking during a GBV awareness campaign hosted by Unlocking Minds at Emrabulweni Park on Saturday, August 20 where she motivated and encouraged people, especially young girls.

“Beauty doesn’t have colour, shape or size. I believe everyone is beautiful in their own way; it has to come from the inside out. Pageants are influential, it’s not about the glitz and glamour, but brains, kindness, love, hard work and dedication are a must in this industry. Anyone who wants to embark on this journey is advised to be themselves. My family supported me from day one to this day; it is one of the reasons that keep me going. My social media friends from different places inspire me to make the impossible possible”.

Keletso encourages people to believe in the power of their thoughts, to speak up with honesty, pray, have faith, and spread love and kindness.

“Your mental, physical and emotional health must be guarded always. Most of all, stay happy,” concluded Keletso.

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