Katlego Mahloko’s dream is to help others reach their goals
ALEXANDRA – The main focus is on the external and internal development of young women in South Africa.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/11/IMG-20181116-WA0004_01618.jpg)
A 19-year-old community development activist and a model, Katlego Mahloko will represent Alexandra and Johannesburg at the Miss Common Wealth South Africa 2018 grand finale.
She has been selected as one of the finalists in the night of glitz and glamour that will be hosted at Summer Place Boutique Hotel, Lambton Germiston on 8 December 2018.
READ: 5 quick facts about the Commonwealth Games
According to Mahloko, the pageant is aimed at empowering young women with knowledge to bring about change in communities that are in need. “Through the pageant, the main focus is the external and internal development of young women in South Africa. The organisation [Miss Common Wealth SA] host a series of awareness and empowerment workshops for the finalists.”
Mahloko, a first-year Bachelor of Science student at Unisa, said growing up in less privileged family inculcated and developed the spirit of Ubuntu in her. “I grew up in a big family with limited resources. After finishing my matric I couldn’t go to university to further my studies due to financial strains at home.
READ: Lombardy East resident excels in disabled bowls
“I told myself that I will have to do something to help children facing a similar situation. One of the tasks we were given [as part of the pageant] was to raise funds for a non-profit organisation and that has equipped me with necessary skills on how to raise funds.”
Mahloko makes and sells handbags to raise funds for her recently registered her non-profit organisation Katlego Mahloko Foundation that will help children who cannot afford university fees.