A huge responsibility lies ahead for the newly crowned Miss Teen Model International, Pearl Mathebula, in her home province of Limpopo.
This was said by John Mpe, the Mayor of Polokwane, during the internationally acclaimed young model’s welcoming ceremony at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday, June 18.
Pearl clinched the competition, which was held in Peru in the early hours of Sunday, June 15.
Made province, village proud
“Pearl has made her village, the province and the entire country proud.”
“As a municipality, we are proud of her. Young as she is, Pearl is an intelligent lady, and we are going to provide her with everything at our disposal in making sure that she is well-groomed and prepared for the leadership role,” vowed Mpe, who was accompanied by some of his executives in welcoming the 17-year-old model from Kotishing village outside Polokwane.
Pearl’s welcoming that coincided with the Proteas’ arrival from England, where they conquered Australia to lift the ICC Test Championships title at the airport, was also attended by students from her school, Capricorn High, football fans from Magesi FC, traditional leaders and community members from her village.
“Winning the competition against the most experienced international models will encourage her fellow learners at Capricorn High School and other young people around her village that nothing is impossible. It is for this reason we are going to empower her. So that she can assume the role of young ambassadorship to guide and groom other young people,” said Mpe.
Well prepared
Reabetse Matlapeng is the Corporate Director of Miss Teenage South Africa. It is the event that provided the stage for Pearl to qualify for the international event.
“We are obviously proud of her. Because this means our organisation has prepared her very well for the international stage.
“Pearl is our sixth model to have represented us and brought home the title at the international stage,” said Matlapeng.
Her fellow student, Keutlwile Rangongo, said: “Pearl has made our school proud. We are motivated by her achievement. And hopefully this will go a long way in motivating us and those who have ambitions to achieve their dreams at a young age.”
Traditional leader Ntona Bopape from her village also expressed his excitement.
“Pearl has set an example in our village. And she has proved that the area where you come from does not define who you are. We hope other youth in our village can take a leaf from her story.”
Pearl, who was accompanied by her mother, Tholapi throughout the competition, was elated. She said she was grateful for the warm welcome and the support from Polokwane Municipality and the Magoro Foundation.
“The entire competition was exciting despite the language barrier. And also the kind of food I was exposed to back in Peru.
Overcome with joy
“Winning Miss Teen Model International means a lot to me. Especially coming from a village which has no resources and other entertainment facilities and is regarded as remote.”
The visibly tired Pearl was overcome with emotion after more than a 12-hour flight from Paris France. She had connected the flight there, from Peru.
Pearl said her trip to Peru was made possible by their family’s church leader, Elder Mawere of Forward in Faith. He donated R63, 000. Mayor Mpe, through his Magoro Foundation, offered them R70 000.
