Sixteen-year-old Reabetswe “Rea” Makgale is not only ready to take on the pageantry world, she wants to use her talents to change the world. The Grade10 pupil at Hoerskool Marias Viljoen in Alberton, east of Joburg, was born in Potchefstroom in the North West Province.
An only child, she grew up in Diepkloof ext, in Soweto, raised by her great-grandmother and maternal grandparents while her mother was completing her Legal studies.
Her mom, who is an attorney, owns an events management company (Decor by Lebo). Through it, she collaborates with various suppliers and hosts a lot of high end events. It was during these events that Rea’s love for pageants was born.
Entrepreneur
The teen is a co-founder and owner of the Balloon Popper, a company that specialises in custom-made balloon backdrop stylings for all types of events.
As a passionate entrepreneur, she believes that skills development and entrepreneurship are some of the key solutions to poverty alleviation. As part of her corporate social initiatives, Rea visits various schools in and around Soweto to impart her skills. She also provides balloon artistry workshops to selected pupils from each school.
She helps empowers learners to potentially start their own businesses and generate own income from an early age.
Modelling career, leadership honours
Rea began modelling just two years ago. She is a talented under-16 A team hockey player and an active participant in cultural activities. These include the Alberton Eidsteddfod, Provincial Interschool Public Speaking and the choir, and obtained full colours. She possess great leadership skills as she was elected deputy head girl at Laerskool Dalmodeor Primary.
She is also an advocate for anti-bullying and self-love. The teen sensation also uses her voice to give motivational talks to advocate against bullying. A survivor of bullying herself, she uses her own experience and survival to promote self-love.
Her hobbies include content creating and cooking.
This year Rea entered her first pageant, Miss Teenager South Africa 2024 competition. She was placed in the Top 10, out of 85 contestants countrywide. And she is currently a finalist for Miss Inspirational Teen South Africa 2025.
Inspiration to her peers
“I wish to use the Miss Inspirational Teen South Africa platform to inspire as many teenagers as I can. As a survivor of bullying and low self esteem issues, it’s important for me to ensure that my peers are never victims of such. I was bullied for my bad teeth, bullied for my acne, pretty much for things that are truly part of who we are. Part of the rite of passage for kids.
I also want to inspire teenagers to establish their own businesses and be equipped with entrepreneurial skills. This as I firmly believe that entrepreneurship is ageless. I believe it’s important for young people to look beyond their horizons. Because their current circumstances don’t determine their future. The future belongs to those who dare to dream!
The sky is truly the limit for this dynamic self-driven young woman.
Follow her on Instagram its_reabatswe.m[lk
To vote for her for Public Choice Award, go to inspirationalteensa reference MITSA25 (Instagram).
