The beautiful 26-year old Angelinah Sekonyela, a teacher at Sconkenville Intermediate School, will represent the Free State province as finalist for the Miss Township SA pageant.
She graduated from the University of Johannesburg and is currently studying to be a life coach at Comensa. She is also a project coordinator for the ABC com- munity programme and a motivational speaker.
Angelinah is passionate about making a difference and calls herself “an ambassador for change”.
Raised in a small squatter camp in Bekkersdal, she learnt what it was to work hard from a very young age.
“I promised myself that when I got a good education, I would go back to the townships and teach young people skills to help them make their dreams come true.”
“I want to teach young people that just because you grow up in poverty does not mean your story should end in poverty. I believe we are heroes and not victims of our lives,” says Angelinah.
She lives by the motto – “When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. When life is bitter, say thank you and grow.”
Miss and Mrs Township South Africa pageant redefines beauty. Beauty with a purpose.
“To me, it is more important to represent a purpose than just a title. It’s not about being the prettiest girl in the room but it’s about forming a sisterhood and walking a journey that empowers your community, “ says Angelinah.
The judging criteria are based on community tasks throughout the year.
“They judge us on our ability to be leaders, build connections and empower our communities in whatever way we can.”
This includes awareness campaigns on gender-based violence and entrepreneurship activities.
The voting line for the pageant is already open, and the official crowning will be on 10 September.
Koketso Makua (also the owner of Little Girl Arise) organised the pageant, supported by amazing sponsors.
Angelinah wants to collect blankets to help homeless kids as her first community initiative as a finalist in the Miss Township SA pageant. “It’s very cold this winter, and I want to try my best to collect as many blankets as possible. I hope many people will contribute.”
She is also assisting matriculants in the township with their university applications for 2023, and is involved in the Pad Girl drive.
Angelinah’s role model is Nomzamo Mbatha, also an ambassador for change, “I’ve met her more than once and she is an amazing person.”
