Model, 16, wins international pageant in Thailand

Resident Nkahosheko Kopa returned from Thailand as a beauty queen after being crowned Miss Kids Star International 2022.

The competition which was held on December 17 last year attracted scores of contestants from 25 countries across the globe.

The 16-year-old from Mohlakeng and who goes to Randfontein High School (RHS) was also announced National Costume winner and first runner-up in the talent competition.

According to Nkahosheko Kopa’s mother, Zanele Kopa, the whole experience was exciting.

“I still have to pinch myself to make sure that it is real. The whole travelling experience was thrilling and at the same time nerve-wrecking because we didn’t know what to expect. We trusted the almighty that whoever wins would be the perfect candidate for the title,” said Kopa. Little did she know it would be her little girl.

She added that the young Kopa who has since been crowned, initially found the experience challenging due to the fact that it was taking place around the exam period.

However, she was able to juggle both her modelling passion and schoolwork and has also passed Grade 10 and will be moving on to Grade 11 this year.

Also read: Locals strut their stuff in Toekies pageant

“The title came as a shock to her and to me as well. I must admit, I cried for a week even after we landed home. She also feels that her win is not her win alone. We had a lot of people supporting us and giving us motivation, as well as courage.

“This includes our family members, her friends, my colleagues and the overall society. We really appreciate the support that we received, and we are humbled by it,” said Kopa who added that they are also thankful to modelling coach Sam Carelse who helped and groomed the young Kopa for the pageant, as well as dance instructor Katlego Zulu who provided dancing lessons for the talent competition.

Meanwhile, the young Kopa finds her victory very important and believes that it will serve as a motivation for young people who also want to be in the modelling space.

She understands that she is not a celebrity, but her title will add much value in her duties as a humanitarian and a young Rotarian.

Also read: Mohlakeng girl, 8, wins international pageant

During her reign, she will be responsible for several projects alongside other title holders and little Rotarians which include, creating awareness around Polio and empowering girls through the Dignity Pink Bow initiative which aimed at donating sanitary towels for teenagers who are from disadvantaged backgrounds as well as environmental projects.

The young Kopa is also a leader who holds the Rotary Youth Leadership Award and will be doing these projects under the guidance of Doctor Mmatepeng Temane who is the current President of Rotary Club Waterkloof and a Youth Mentor.