Former learner of Kensington High School Dimakatso Makhasane is all about girl power and inspiring her peers to reach for their goals.
Dimakatso is a contestant in the Miss Eagle South Africa pageant which caters for entrants aged 16 to 21 years old.
The pageant focuses on women empowerment, women leadership and a combination of beauty with brains and purpose.
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“I found out about the pageant on social media and decided to take a chance and see if I would be selected.
“I did not believe I would be selected because I didn’t see myself as the modeling type but to my surprise, I was selected,” said Dimakatso.
She said she was pleased to be selected for this kind of the pageant because it addresses the issues that affect teenagers in their everyday life.
“I love what the pageant is all about. Miss Eagle does not consider your external appearance or background.
“It aims to empower and as a contestant, we have to inspire and empower young girls and tell them about the importance of education and setting goals.
“We also talk about teenage pregnancy which is a major issue,” said Dimakatso.
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“Ever since I was selected I have been learning new things about myself. It has been a self-discovering journey for me because as a young woman I have also had my fair share of challenges which I’m also using as life lessons to help others,” said Dimakatso.
As part of the road to the finale, Dimakatso and other finalists in Miss Eagle South Africa 2018 are tackling a number of challenges and activities before the crowning later this year.
“We have to do charity work and I’m mainly focusing on homeless and abused women and children, cancer and depression,” said Dimakatso.
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She suffered from depression herself and says a lot of education is needed on the issue.
“When I was suffering from depression I didn’t understand what was wrong but I knew something was not right.
“Depression in the black community is not something unknown and some believed a ritual would address the issue. When I finally saw the doctor it was still confusing for my mother but she supported me and made sure we got through it together,” said Dimakatso.
She said if she is crowned Miss Eagle South Africa she would use the opportunity to shine a light on depression as well as help an organisation that deals with women and children.
“It would be an honour to be crowned because that will afford me the opportunity to touch lives and empower young girls to dream big and go for their goals,” said Dimakatso.
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To support Dimakatso vote for her by sending an SMS, Dimakatso to 35334.
The grand finale of Miss Eagle South Africa 2018 will be held on October 27 at Sandton Convention Centre.