By OBAKENG MAJE
15 December 2025- Kgalaletso Ruth Molomonyane (30) said she is still having goose bumps and mixed emotion after being crowned the winner of Miss Naledi Beauty Pageant completion. The event was held at the Naledi Local Municipality Theatre in Vryburg on Saturday evening.
Molomonyane said she was inspired to become a beauty pageant from a tender age. The Moswana-born beauty pageant further said taking part in various beauty pageant competitions from an early age taught her resilience, courage and the power of dreams.
She added that growing up, she learned that challenges can never silence a determined heart.
“I am passionate about empowering women and inspiring young girls to believe that their background does not define their future. So, I joined Miss Naledi to be a voice of hope, dignity and positive change.
“This platform is more than a crown, it is a chance to show that even a girl from a small, dusty village can rise, shine and create her own future. Aspiring beauty entrepreneurs create products that empower women to feel confident, loved, and celebrated,” said Molomonyane.
She is committed to grow as a leader and uses her journey to uplift others. Molomonyane also motivates learners at various schools and supports community upliftment initiatives.
“I am passionate about youth empowerment. So, I joined the Miss Naledi Beauty Pageant competition to inspire young women from humble beginnings. I wanted to give hope to the unseen and show that with courage and determination, we can rise above challenges. We can also take up space and make an impact within our communities.
“Miss Naledi has been a journey of growth, courage, and self-discovery. It taught me that true beauty lies in purpose, kindness, and impact. This experience strengthened my desire to empower women through my beauty brand, mentor young girls, and serve my community with love, integrity, and passion,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane has congratulated Molomonyane. Lenkopane said the Miss Naledi Beauty Pageant, a woman-led initiative aimed at empowering young women and promoting leadership, confidence, and entrepreneurship among youth in the Naledi Local Municipality.
“We reaffirm the department’s commitment to intensifying support for youth-led business initiatives, with a specific focus on young women entrepreneurs who demonstrate an interest in running sustainable businesses.
“Initiatives such as the Miss Naledi Beauty Pageant align with the department’s broader economic development agenda, which prioritises youth and women empowerment. The department’s Entrepreneur Innovation Hubs, established in collaboration with institutions of higher learning,” she said.
Lenkopane said through these hubs, young women who are already enrolled at universities and colleges, and who show an interest in entrepreneurship, are identified, supported and developed to emerge as successful entrepreneurs. She said as part of its partnership with the pageant organisers, her department sponsored prizes for the winners, which include start-up machinery and equipment valued at R300 000 for the winner.
“We also offer business support valued at R100 000 for runner-up and business support valued at R50 000 for third winner. In addition, all other contestants will benefit from participation in a business registration workshop, followed by a comprehensive business management training programme.
“The programme will cover entrepreneurship fundamentals, business planning, financial management basics, branding, customer engagement, operational efficiency, and pitching skills, culminating in a practical pitch competition,” said Lenkopane.
She said through this integrated approach of start-up support, skills development, training, and mentorship, the department is positioning pageantry as a catalyst for economic growth, inclusive development, and the advancement of women-led enterprises in the province.
The Guardian 