NOLUVO MGIJIMA 

MALUTI Senior Secondary School pupil, Omphile Motatinyane, is not deterred by her age as she pursues her aspirations of changing people’s lives for the better.

The 16-year-old Matatiele-born beauty recently launched the Miss Flawless Matatiele pageant to empower young women and create a friendly space for women to showcase their talents, confidence and beauty.

Launching the pageant initiative at the Roman Catholic Hall in Matatiele, she said that she wants women to nurture each other in the pageant platform.

She added that the Miss Flawless Matatiele pageant will be a platform for women to voice their concerns and sometimes tackle community issues such as gender-based violence, sexual abuse and substance abuse.

“The platform will assist women to achieve their goals and discuss issues affecting women and children, especially in rural areas,” she said.

She appreciated the support she received from various stakeholders and organisations such as the Lady Ocean Foundation.

The launch featured local artists as well as the crowning ceremony of Miss Flawless Matatiele, Omphile Paaneng (14).

Buhlebekhwezi Ngodela (12) was crowned Miss Flawless Matatiele in the pre-teen category.