Rethabile Mojapelo (18) from Polokwane is not just a pretty face – not only has she been selected as a Miss Teen Commonwealth finalist, she is also in her second year of studying bio-medicine at an institution in Midrand.
Mojapelo matriculated from Noorderland High School in 2015 and is the oldest of five children. Once qualified in bio-medicine, she would like to continue her studies to become a neuro-scientist.
She explains that being selected as a finalist in the Miss Teen Commonwealth pageant was only the first step towards being in the finals, which are set to take place on 16 February in Roodepoort. “Since being selected on 11 September last year, we have had several interviews. Each finalist has to have a charity project and our progress on these projects is monitored. We also have to have a sponsor who is prepared to put a certain amount of money behind us. Should a contestant fail to reach any of the goals, she is disqualified,” Mojapelo explains.
Her project, known as New Generation, is with the young people of Mmotong, some 30 km outside Polokwane.”The project aims to empower young people by showcasing their talents, furthering their education and developing their skills,” she says.
In line with this, shortly before Christmas, Mojapelo held a talent show and beauty pageant. “People attached to the Department of Social Development attended as well as others that may be interested in further developing these talented youngsters. Miss Fabulous Mmotong/Teen were also crowned.”
Her sponsor is Ondwela-J Trading, to whom she is very grateful.
Speaking of her experience gained in the pageant so far, she says she was very scared at her first interview as she was not much of a public speaker. “But now I have no problem, and even speak at schools to motivate youngsters to chase their dreams.”
She hopes to win the title and in so doing banish the stereotype associated with beauty pageants that beauty queens are not very clever.
“My vision is to empower women and in so doing help eradicate poverty in communities.” This is also the vision of the Miss Teen Commonwealth pageant.
Her motto is “you may try and fail but never fail to try’. She loves netball and did a bit of debating at school. “And of course I absolutely love fashion, make-up, clothes and don’t forget the shoes!”
To stay fit and healthy, she goes jogging and drinks a lot of water. She eats very little red meat and a lot of vegetables. Her favourite dish is spaghetti bolognaise.
While she says it will be good to get married and have a family one day, she doesn’t need a man to be happy and advises other young woman to be their own person. She is a Christian and loves God. “Everything I do has to start with Him. If He is not leading, then I am not going.”
Mojapelo says her role model is actress Gabrielle Union of ‘Being Mary Jane’ fame. “She is an independent woman who has a voice about everything and is never afraid to use it. She never stands down and sees to it that she is heard.”
Her mentors are former Miss Limpopo Mosiah Tau and businesswoman Kholofelo Nengwenda because they are young, driven, successful, independent and unstoppable.
“Something people don’t know about me is that when I was younger I struggled with self-esteem. I was a victim of bullying; the other kids teased me and said I was too tall and ugly – I am 1,8 metres tall. I thank God for my parents and siblings who always told me I am beautiful. That’s what carried me through.”
Her father, Hendrik, says he thanks God to have her as a daughter and for giving him the grace to raise her. “She has loved this (beauty pageants) from a young age; she always wanted to get onto the stage. But as parents, we taught her that education comes first,” he says.
To vote for Mojapelo, send an SMS with the word ‘Rethabile’ to 35554. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets for the final can contact her on 061 326 3047. Tickets cost R350.
Story and photo: KAREN VENTER
>>karen@observer.co.za
