Bloemfontein Civic Theatre in Bloemfontein was a hive of catwalk activities on 2 September when 13 local plus size models from the province battled it all out in the final of 2017 Miss Teen Plus Size Is Me pageant.
The beauty pageant, hosted by the Chief Leeuw Foundation, aims to encourage young plus-size women to showcase their talents and love their bodies. In its second year running, the models pulled out all the stops in hopes of impressing the five judges, Dimpho Gaaje (Miss Molo Africa ), Dineo Visser (Miss Mangaung Metro 2017), Mosa Mosetsi (Miss Plus Size Is Me SA Finalist 2017), Mase Mokwena (mentor ) and Zizipho Mgqeku (Miss Teen Mangaung Metro – first Princess). High profile guests included Rethabile Molelle (Miss Teen Mangaung Queen 2017) and Boitumelo Seduku (Miss Plus Size Is Me – SA Queen 2017).
The four winners will represent the Free State in the Miss Plus Size Is Me South Africa pageant to be held in the City of Roses on 14 October 2017.
In an exclusive interview with Chief Leeuw, CEO of Mrs Plus Size Is Me – South Africa, he told Voice: “After we had organised Miss Plus Size Is Me South Africa last year, we decided to accommodate teens this year. On 14 October we will be hosting Mrs Plus Size Is Me South Africa here in Bloemfontein and the Miss Teen Plus Size Is Me for teens aged between 14 to 18.
One of the gleeful winners, Tanaka Tsoehile, said that she was looking forward to competing in the forthcoming national contest that will produce winners who, in their turn, will compete in the international arena. “I believe that it is not going to be easy but I am looking forward to it. The fact that I have won this round has given me confidence in myself,” she said.
– Lebakeng Nkabi
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