POLOKWANE – 22 year old model, beauty queen and community developer at heart, Khomotjo Kgopa from Ga-Thoka has started a non profit organisation where she hopes to afford the youth in her community a platform to unleash and showcase their talent.
The name of the non profit organisation is called Maropeng Talent Agency and Foundation.
“Last year in October my colleagues and I hosted a successful beauty pageant event called Miss Maropeng Foundation 2018. During the event we came across many young people from our community who have the talent but lack the platform and opportunity to showcase their talents which is why Maropeng Talent Agency and Foundation was formed,” explained Khomotjo.
According her the foundation through its events, urges contestants to do community projects and motivational talks to help them boost their self esteem as well as touch the lives of others. Participants have since donated tubes of toothpaste and toothbrushes, helped with application school forms and donated sanitary towels to the needy.
“The foundation was created to groom young women through activities such as public speaking, community projects and creative writing. Through these teachings we groom them to become positive role models for the community, someone who can positively impact those around them,” she said.
Khomotjo has won several titles including: Miss Valentine’s 2018, Miss Spring Fiesta 2nd princess 2013, Face of Nobody 2016/17 2nd princess, Face of Turf Novice Queen 2015, Miss Eagle South Africa 2018 Brand Ambassador.
“I’ve also participated in Annual Limpopo fashion 2015 and The Black Tie affair fashion show 2017.”
She says after the event, she has received positive feedback from her community, as well as many asking for mentorship. “So the idea of an agency occurred to me as it seemed like an effective way to help guide, as well as give those in need of help and resources a chance. There is a lot of talent in our province, the only thing thing lacking is the right platform and motivation. Which is what I want to give to our young people,” she added.
The foundation is set to host a talent search competition on Saturday, 23 March 2019 at Polokwane Library gardens auditorium where 10 lucky winners stand a chance to win R500.00. Entry fee is R150.
“The main objective of the agency is not the competition but to help get as many children as possible off the streets by having them focus on things they are passionate about. To help individuals who have dropped out of school with different talents to turn them into careers by pointing them in the right direction,” she concluded.
