An 18-year-old Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool learner has big dreams for her future as she heads to Egypt later this year to represent South Africa at the Miss Eco Teen International.
Karabo Lawal is the current Miss Eco Teen South Africa.
The Lyttelton resident also has her eyes set on Miss Grand South Africa, with dreams of one day going for the coveted Miss South Africa title.
Centurion has proven it has the talent with current Miss SA queen Natasha Joubert also hailing from the community.
“I started my journey in Grade 8, and after winning my first title in 2021, I realised that I actually love this, and I want to see how far I can get,” she told Rekord.
She had a series of successes before she won Miss Eco Teen.
“To be honest, with trying to go after my dreams while completing matric, I think it is important to have my mental health in check, and that’s why these issues are so important to me.”
Lawal said that she spends a lot of time working on her time management and keeping a balanced lifestyle.
“It is also about keeping good people around me, who feed me love and energy.”
She said that the women in her life, from her mom to her coach, are inspirations and form the most important part of her support structure.
Her guiding spirit lies in bravery and an unwavering conviction to not settle for less, something she said she wants to carry throughout her life.
Lawal moved to Centurion when she was young and said that she’s felt at home in the city since.
“I am the youngest competitor in the Miss Grand South Africa, and a lot of people have their doubts about that. I’m here to prove them wrong, and to prove myself right.
My mom is my role model, she has taught me to be strong, and believe in what I say.
That is what I want to inspire in others, to be remembered not only for what I have done but how I did it.”
Lawal said that much of her process is spent on research to always be prepared for what she is going to face.
With a passion for ballroom dancing, she said she draws from the lessons she learnt there to guide her in what she wants to achieve now.
“Pageantry is something you can teach yourself, although a coach is definitely helpful.
At the end of the day, showing people you are authentic is the only way you can stand out.”
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