14-year-old Middelburg teen takes over SA
Bontle Mapaila is ready to uplift her peers as the new Preteen Universe South Africa.
Over the moon to have achieved one of her biggest dreams, wearing a national crown, Bontle Mapaila (14), is ready to be an advocate for her South African peers. She is the 2023/24 Preteen Universe South Africa.
Bontle from Middelburg was excited to share her journey since the crowing in December and what she plans to do for teenagers in the country.
“From the top, I would like to forward my appreciation to the people of Mpumalanga for supporting me on my journey of becoming the queen for Preteen Universe South Africa. This opportunity has granted me the platform to continue doing better for our communities in South Africa.
“Of course, this opportunity comes at a time I wish to do educate my peers on gearing up for the future. You do not have to start working towards your future when you are 21, but as soon as you are capable of making even the tiniest decision in your early teenage years,” she said.
When asked about her plans to uplift various communities in South Africa, Bontle said the young people have to be reminded that hard work comes at a price.
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“All the luxury things we dream of will come at a price. We need to put in the hard work and be the generation that will uplift and encourage equality on all standards of living, and be involved in our respective communities.”
She said that ultimately she wants to encourage teenagers to be the leaders that South Africa needs.
“We need to put a positive impact in our communities and I know we are capable. I want to yield this stepping stone with all my abilities. I have learnt that hard work defeats your background even if you are a young girl living in a village, because everything you wish to do becomes a possibility.”
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Bontle will be representing the country at the Preteen Universe international competition in Spain next year.
“I have enough time to prepare for the international stage, which will be another dream to come true. I cannot wait to make my country proud,” she said.
