YOUNG, stylish and on a mission, local talent Thando Radebe is living the dream as a pageant princess.
The 16-year-old Radebe juggles life as a bubbly Grade 11 pupil at Empangeni High School by day and a striking pageant princess by night.
She was recently placed as a finalist in the Miss Teen International – South Africa, a pageant by Acting Hope, which is a major achievement.
‘The platform I have chosen is love, as it is about loving one another unconditionally and helping one another, especially orphans, and to give them love in every way,’ said young Radebe.
She first took part in a pageant in 2009 with her friends. She was in Grade 6 at the time.
Apart from all the glitz and glamour, pageantry can be quite stressful.
‘It is not all about looking pretty. It takes hard work and determination to achieve anything in pageantry,’ said Radebe.
‘The first time I received a title was this year in the Miss North Coast Summer pageant (1st princess) which was hosted by Trelique Models Modelling & Promotions Agency.
‘Pageants have made me grow into the lady I am today and it has boosted my self confidence as I get a chance to meet amazing people.’.
Among other interests, she enjoys reading, swimming, playing chess, drama, writing poems and being surrounded by family and friends.
She is very outspoken and has a bubbly personality that make her unique.
‘I have been told to be talkative and I’m always happy and smiling.’
Radebe has three brothers, her twin, Lindo Radebe, who also attends Empangeni High School and is in Grade 11, Sihle (15) who lives in Mandeni and the youngest, Anele (13) who is in Grade 8 at Empangeni High School.
Radebe strives towards a bright future as her plans are to one day take the title of Miss Universe and open an orphanage.
She also hopes to qualify as a medical doctor.
