MOKOPANE – Kekana will be attending the finale for Zee World Miss Teen Commonwealth South Africa, among the 36 finalists, which will take place at the Pretoria Atterbury Theatre on 28 April.
Kekana is a learner at Hoërskool Piet Potgieter with big dreams and wishes to work in the beauty industry after matriculating. She plans to study cosmetics, to get background on what products not to use and what to use when she starts her own line of makeup.
She wishes to take over the reins from Miss Teen World South Africa 2016, Asande Mchunu.
• What is the reason for participating?
“Well, I have a fear of being mediocre so I decided to test my potential by entering the pageant to explore myself. I always knew that I have something that I am destined for.”
• What do you hope to achieve out of this competition?
“As much as I want to use Miss Teen Common Wealth to expand my social horizon and brand, I hope that when my story is told that it can inspire those from discouraging backgrounds.”
• Do you have a role model or someone to look up to?
“No. not really. I do give credit to Mrs Grand SA who is also from a town that I was born in, Lephalahle, that it is possible and can be done.”
• Have you taken part in any beauty pageant before and did you expect to be a finalist?
“Yes, but only local. This time it is much bigger and I decided to take a leap of faith. I really did not expect to get in as a finalist, because after seeing the beautiful talent among me I had some self doubt at a time.”
• Have you chosen a designer for your gowns at the finale?
“Yes, I would like Ninette Designs to create ,my stunning clothes.”
• Is there any message you would like to send out to girls wanting to enter the beauty industry?
“Girls like to compare themselves to others. I just think that girls must not do that but rather see the beauty in themselves. Girls, you must also remember not to get big headed and study, because beauty with brains is a very big achievement. Remember that the mirror is your only enemy so don’t worry too much about what you see, because beauty also comes from inside.”
The pageant empowers teenage girls with the knowledge to be young leaders of tomorrow and focus on leadership skills, modelling, public speaking, etc.
All contestants need to make a difference in their communities during the competition.
The Miss Teen Commonwealth SA pageant is in its fourth year and the main prize is R15 000 cash plus other prizes. Through the Commonwealth Pageants, a platform is created for young women to become charity and culture ambassadors within South Africa and the broader international community.
The title holders become involved in charitable causes and uphold the aims and objectives of the Commonwealth.