LEFISOANE HAS A MISS TEENAGER SOUTH AFRICA 2022 FINALIST – RACHEL MALULEKE

The search for this year’s Miss Teenager South Africa officially started on August the 1st, 2021. It will run until May 2022 whereby the young queen will be crowned at a ceremony scheduled to be held at the Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Johannesburg. A young lady from the dusty streets of Lefisoane village in Mpumalanga called Rachel Maluleke is breaking down barriers as she has so far made it to the final round competing against thousand other young ladies around the country eyeing the prestigious crown. 

Meet Rachel Maluleke (19) a young lady determined to go all the way and face challenges head on.
Image: Supplied

The final list of contestants was announced on Friday the 04th of March 2022; Rachel Maluleke, a 19 year old from Lefiswane in Mpumalanga; is one of many contestants in this 2022 Miss Teenager South Africa (MTSA) competition. Having started with modeling particularly beauty pageantry on the 02nd of April 2021. Amazingly, she has four titles and two crowns, she is the current reigning Queen for Miss Moutse 2022, previously she was crowned Miss Ga Maria 1st Princess, Miss Ga Maria Dedicated Model and Miss Moutse Personality, and all these achievements were in 2021. Currently Rachel is not signed to any modeling agency, she is an independent.

A passionate young lady who is not only in love with beauty pageantry but also passionate about education with future prospects of becoming an entrepreneur. A first year student at the Tshwane University of Technology where she is studying towards a Diploma in Administrative Management Science.

Like many young ladies in the world, she has always loved being pretty and also having conducted research on both Miss Moutse and Miss Teenager South Africa respectfully; she grew a desire to become part of the organizations as she also loves exploring new things and pushing herself over the edge. These organizations offer platforms for young women to learn from other ladies’ cultures and beliefs. Furthermore, they offer their contestants opportunities to learn and showcase their intellectual and leadership skills whilst empowering them to be able to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.

During the Miss Moutse competition where she was the overall winner, her biggest fear was the lack of modeling experience as she was going up against contestants with more experience and titles under their belts. She however did not allow that to deter her “with Miss Teenager South Africa 2022, my biggest challenge is the lack of financial resources especially since I am from a very rural village and also my poor background, despite all these, I believe there is light at the end of the tunnel” said Rachel when asked what is her biggest challenge with regards to Miss Teenager South Africa 2022.

With less than one experience in modeling, young Rachel from Lefiswane has already achieved so much. Image: Supplied

The one person she looks up to (role model) is a television presenter, radio DJ, producer and actress Ms. Pearl Modiadie, because according to Rachel, she is deeply rooted to Thembisa – a place where she was brought up. “She did not allow fame to wipe her memory and importance of the place of her upbringing which is why I believe that should I win, I will not abandon my village of Lefiswane because it really takes a village to raise a child and I would definitely use my crown to help other young girls” added Rachel.

Rachel expressed extensively the need for government to start offering young girls free sanitary towels, condoms and contraceptives especially at our schools as this is key in fighting the scourge of teenage pregnancy and school drop outs. When it comes to drugs and alcohol abuse, the reigning Queen for Miss Moutse 2021/22, said that the law needs to take its course, our police and other law enforcement agencies needs to be capacitated and where possible be assisted especially with the formation of crime fighting initiatives such as the Community Policing Forum in each ward.

Also she reiterated the need for our liquor outlets particularly taverns to also play their part in terms of who they allow into their establishments as well sticking to operating times as set out in their business licenses more especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

The death of rap superstar Ricky Rick and the former Miss USA; Cheslie Kryst once again shun the spotlight on mental health in the world. The 2022 Miss Teenager South Africa Finalist emphasized the need for communities to really learn and really understand the challenges and symptoms associated with mental health. She particularly raised concerns that in the villages, less is being done in this regard, “often than not, people that commit suicide in the rural areas are associated with witchcraft than mental health and also less is being done to educate the masses” added Rachel Maluleke.

The overall winner of the 2022 MTSA will for a period of one year be expected to act as an example and an ambassador for all teenagers across the country of South Africa. Tons of prizes are also up for grabs for the overall winner.

For those who may want to assist by donations and or walk this journey to the with Rachel; are encouraged to do so by liking her Facebook page Rachel Maluleleke – Miss Teenager South Africa 2022 Semi-Finalist alternatively they may contact her on 076 551 8374.

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