PRETORIA – Khayelitsha teen Iminathi Dondolo, 17, recently clinched the Miss Teenager SA 2023/24 title, expressing her desire to leverage the platform to inspire positive change.
The pageant, held at the Silverstar Casino in Krugersdorp, provides a platform for young women aged 14 to 19 to showcase their talents and passion for various social causes.
“I am incredibly honoured and excited to begin my journey as Miss Teenager SA. This platform is not just about beauty; it’s a powerful tool to influence and inspire positive change,” said Dondolo.
She entered the competition to boost her confidence and hopes her journey serves as motivation for young girls.
Speaking to those lacking confidence, Dondolo advised, “Take everything as it comes. Take every little step because small steps matter the most. You are possible; I hope this title becomes motivation that everything is possible.”
Miss Teenager SA small steps of change
Dondolo, currently in grade 11 studying business and life sciences, aspires to run a non-profit organization to aid homeless individuals with clothes and food.
Her vision extends to bringing change to privileged families across the country.
Tersia Ramokutoane from North West and Asonele Memela from the Eastern Cape were crowned first and second princesses, respectively, at the event.
Miss Teenager SA’s director, Kat Ncala, emphasized that the pageant goes beyond beauty, focusing on empowering young black girls.
“The Miss Teenager SA pageant is more than a beauty contest. It’s a celebration of the power, empowerment, and potential of young South African women.
“We are incredibly proud of all our contestants, and we are confident that Iminathi, Tersia, and Asonele will be outstanding ambassadors for youth empowerment,” Ncala stated.
Miss Teenager SA is committed to providing a platform for young women to grow, express themselves, and contribute to their communities, promoting the strength and diversity of South African youth.
Dondolo will spend the upcoming year representing the pageant, working on advocacy projects, including her foundation, “Small Steps to Change.”
