Young and dynamic Zethu recently represented the City of Coal in a national competition and was undoubtedly crowned Miss Purpose South Africa Junior 2024.

Zethu Mahlangu (9), shared that she is on a mission to become an international top model.

This young dynamite is a force to be reckoned with as she not only talks the talk but she also walks the walk because she is currently winning beauty pageants locally and nationally.

She was born and bred in eMalahleni, is a learner in grade 3 at Laerskool Kragbron, and is a clear inspiration to her peers.

“I also like to paint and draw but my biggest dream is to become a top model,” Zethu said.

The dedicated model is enrolled with Masebotsana Modelling Academy.

Her mother, Busisiwe Mahlangu, expressed that Zethu’s skills and abilities to perform on stage have deepened and amplified since she became a member of Masebotsana Academy.

“They have magnificently enhanced her modelling skills so much that she likes to encourage her peers, and other aspiring models to follow suit and join Masebotsana Academy,” Busisiwe shared.

When asked what sets her aside from her competitors, Busisiwe said that it is her daughter’s poise, confidence, and professionalism throughout the competitions she had participated in that has set her apart as a true talent and winner.

“She has participated in different beauty pageant competitions like the Miss Kragbron in 2021 where she won the Miss Personality Title,” Busisiwe added.

Zethu shared that the highlight of her pageantry journey was when she entered and participated in the top model competition with Masebotsana Academy in 2023.

She was later crowned Junior Top Model Queen.

In the same year, she swept the Miss Kragbron Junior Queen crown.

Seeing there was no stopping the young, brave model, Zethu decided to take it up a notch and decided to enter for Miss Purpose South Africa and scooped not only one but two titles.

In the national competition, she was crowned Miss Purpose South Africa Junior Queen and Miss Personality and Public Choice first runner-up.

“The Miss Purpose South Africa competition was fun and a learning curve for me. I had to put in more effort, and attend extra lessons with my modelling academy,” Zethu reckoned.

Her mom shared that the national competition was an opportunity for her daughter to showcase her stage confidence.

“It was the most worrying part of the pageant for her, having to stand in front of the masses and judges, speak about herself. She also had to part ways with her phone in the process, so she could dedicate her time to preparing for the big day, it all paid off. In the end, it was all exciting and meaningful,” Busisiwe said.

Zethu currently participates in other extra-mural activities like netball and hockey.

She holds an Artium performance diploma, a silver certificate in choir, and a diploma in solo performance, drama, and solo performance diploma from her school.

“She is not only a great model who participates in beauty pageants; she is also obsessed with becoming a high-performing student and shows brilliant academic strengths,” the proud mom cheered.

The hard-working mother mentioned that the experience was exciting, and it came with its hardships.

“It was at this time that I realised just how much I need millions, so I can be a stay-at-home mum and fully support my daughter in achieving her dream. Being a full-time employed mum, who needs the very same job to keep the daughter going, has been the hardest huddle to jump over.

Leaving home at 05:00 and returning at 17:00 has indeed been a juggle. Having to put leave days in between and working extra hours to cover up the time lost, all in making sure Zethu attends classes and never misses her practice. It all takes a persevering heart,” Busisiwe said.

Zethu also mentioned that she would like to share with her friends that modelling is not just about beauty.

“We also give back to the community in any possible way. We donate to charities and reach out to those who need care,” Zethu educated.

She believes that a little does indeed go a long way and promises to never stop the charity work. Even beyond the crown’s duties and responsibilities.

“I would like to thank everyone who supported me through this beautiful journey, especially my beautiful mom for always being by my side.

Everyone who made it possible for me to go through by voting for me and all the emotional and financial support I received from the aunties and uncles out there. I am grateful,” Zethu thanked.

She extended a special gratitude to Masebotsana Academy for all the teachings.

“I learn a lot from my modelling school. Lastly, thank you to Miss Purpose South Africa for the opportunity given to me to participate in this pageant.

It was an amazing experience that I will forever be grateful for. I promise to carry the crown with pride and represent the Miss Purpose South Africa brand with dignity. This is just the beginning for me. Bigger things are yet to come,” she concluded.

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