Community activist and youth empowerment advocate Phumelele Mokoena was crowned Face of Emalahleni 2026/27 first runner-up at New Life Church on September 25.

The 22-year-old star has become well known for using pageantry to uplift young people and advocate for child development in eMalahleni. Her achievement marks another milestone in a journey driven by community service and leadership.

Mokoena founded and directs the MamMokoena Foundation, an organisation focused on child development and youth empowerment.

Through the foundation, she has led several initiatives, including aftercare programmes for children, winter clothing drives, soup kitchen projects and sanitary pad distribution campaigns for girls.

Service defines personal mission

Speaking about her passion for community development, Mokoena has consistently promoted the message that a person’s background should not determine their future.

“I started the MamMokoena Foundation to prove that your background doesn’t define your future. I can organise a whole community drive in a week and still show up to pageant rehearsals with a smile,” she said.

Her commitment to serving others has earned her recognition both on and off the pageant stage. Before competing in the Face of Emalahleni, she participated in several pageants and achieved notable success, including being crowned Miss Lindhaven second princess and receiving the Miss Roodepoort Director’s Choice award.

A holder of a Cyber Ys Certificate, Mokoena previously worked as an administrative assistant and continues to balance personal development with her dedication to community work.

Vision extends across Mpumalanga

For Mokoena, the pageant was an opportunity to amplify issues affecting children and young people while inspiring others to believe in their abilities.

“My goal is to grow the MamMokoena Foundation across Mpumalanga and beyond. I competed in the Face of Emalahleni to amplify my work in child development and youth empowerment. I want to show young girls that no matter where you come from, you can lead, serve and create change,” she said.

As the Face of Emalahleni 2026/27 first runner-up, Mokoena hopes to continue using her platform to advocate for vulnerable children and empower young people to reach their full potential.

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The third annual eMalahleni Prayer gathering aimed to unite the community against GBV, crime and substance abuse. Read more here⬇️ https://t.co/Om1T3ixqyT

— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) October 14, 2026

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