POLOKWANE -Thirteen year-old Charlotte Ramuthivheli now proudly holds the title of Miss Mankweng 2016.
The Gr 7 learner from Gateway Primary School in Musina says she wants to change her community for the better.
“Being crowned Miss Mankweng 2016 really means a lot to me as it has always been my wish to win a beauty pageant. After receiving the crown I felt happy, honoured and a little overwhelmed and I could not stop my tears of joy,” she says.
She says she knew she could do it with the support she received from her family and she’s very grateful to them. She plans to inspire the youth through motivational speeches and by doing charity work for less privileged children and the elderly in old-age homes.
The youngest of three children, she says she was inspired by Rolene Strauss from Volksrust in Mpumalanga. After completing her studies she would like to become a general practitioner because she has a great passion for taking care of people.
“From Strauss I’ve learned that one should be determined by inner beauty as well as ambition,” she said.
According to pageant organiser, Kholofelo Lekganyane, the purpose of the pageant is to encourage girls from rural areas to follow their dreams of becoming models as many people do not take the occupation seriously.
“The pageant served as a way of teaching our young girls to love and appreciate their appearance and embrace their beauty.
“We hope this will motivate our youth to pursue their goals and also bring more entertainment to our community,” she added.
Gospel singer and a friend of Lekganyane, Winnie Mashaba, acknowledged the great work done by Lekganyane for the youth of Mankweng.