POLOKWANE – Linah Petja is a plus size model who does not let people’s opinions about her weight slow her down.
The 19-year-old is a civil engineering student at Capricorn Tvet College in Seshego and started modelling in 2021 when she joined Miss Limpopo Plus Size.
“When I started, it wasn’t easy because I wasn’t comfortable with myself. I am proud of myself and how far I have come. I don’t give people the satisfaction of having their negative comments about my weight affect me when it shouldn’t,” she said.
Petja together with her friends, Keorapetse Sekgobela, Phomolo Mothiba and Tsentle Chuene founded Mphahlele Community Talent Empowerment, a project that enables children to be active and inspired.
They offer a wide range of activities like drama, poetry, dancing and gymnastics.
“The inspiration to start the project came about when we spoke about doing something that would uplift our community. We haven’t looked back since,” she said.
It is with the same passion and eagerness that she continues to strive to become the best version of herself. She makes the time to balance her modelling, school and running the organisation.
“It was a struggle at first, but I reminded myself of the reason for doing all of this. I am setting an example to my siblings and to all the children in my community, so balancing those three things should not be something that I can’t handle. I believe in getting out of my comfort zone and doing something that challenges me,” she said.
Her message to young women that are struggling to accept themselves is that although it is not easy, they need to take the time and think of all the opportunities that they are missing out on by shying away in a corner.
“Take your time and think about how your life could take a turn. Don’t be miserable because of what society will think and say about you; be brave and stand for yourself. You owe it to you to believe in yourself,” she said.
