POLOKWANE- For Karabo Mary-Grace Whitehead, taking part in the Miss Limpopo Province 2023 pageant was “a gamble that paid off”.
The 21-year-old beauty from Westenburg had taken a break from pageants, but says this pageant had enticed her.
“I took a chance, entered and I got the title!”
Miss Teen Fashionista 2019, Miss Mitchell House Jr 2016, Miss Teen Sapa Yopa 2nd princess 2018 and Miss Westenburg VDub 2018 titles all belong to Karabo, and now Miss Limpopo Province 2023.
She said she did postpone her entry to the last minute.
“We had to submit an introductory video and a couple of photographs. Luckily there was no initial fee so I thought well, I have nothing to lose and I took a gamble,” she told Polokwane Observer.
Although she has a busy schedule, she says it feels “amazing” to be Miss Limpopo Province 2023.
“My mom played such a big role in me understanding selfless values. Throughout everything, she has managed to support me and stand by me through the ups and downs. Without her, I would not have been the person I am today.”
Karabo advocates for the economic empowerment of women, persons of disabilities, elderly women and youth through education and entrepreneurship by using her skills as a final-year psychology student.
“I believe that when people are economically empowered, they are able to change their lives and circumstances for the better.”
Her business, Subtle Sentience offers therapy through beauty by means of nails, lashes, brows, massages, and therapy consultations.
“When you look good, you feel good. My business introduces the importance and value of beauty therapy.”
She has also established a non-profit organisation, The Platform, which aims to economically empower youths through social media mentorship programmes.
In addition, she has adopted Mantshabe Primary School in Blouberg and Mathukana Secondary School in Mankweng as beneficiaries, where she donates books and learning material; and the Ga-Maboi drop-in centre at Ga-Mojapelo.
Furthermore, she participates in campaigns fighting diabetes, breast cancer, and abuse of the elderly.
This year, she plans to upscale her book drive by collaborating with local primary and high schools to donate any educational material.
“Most schools I have been to lack quality resources.
Among others, I plan to also build a kitchen for Mantshabe Primary School as they have to prepare meals outside and sometimes in the rain because they do not have proper facilities. Another project is the collection of dignity packs for learners. This will be done in various schools in all five of our districts,” she concluded.
