On October 28, Motheo Mokoto made it to the Top 5 Miss World South Africa pageant, showcasing her dedication, hard work, and determination. Her journey has redefined success as a path to personal growth, resilience, and a profound influence on others, showcasing her invaluable experiences. Mokoto's pageant journey has transformed her perspective on success, emphasising the journey rather than just reaching the finish line.
Participation in competitions instilled resilience, teamwork, and a growth mindset, fostering a positive outlook on life. Mokoto views herself as a challenger, focusing on personal growth and surpassing limits daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly. She spoke about the significance of being a challenger rather than a competitor. She said: "Being a challenger embodies a spirit of continuous growth, learning, and pushing oneself beyond perceived limits.
Rather than focusing solely on winning, I believe in the power of self-improvement, resilience, and the ability to inspire others through one's journey." This mindset reflects her commitment to personal development and making a positive impact, regardless of the outcome of the competition. Mokoto, a strong advocate for the voiceless, views failure as a tool for growth and adaptation.
Her journey has inspired many, showcasing her relentless pursuit of excellence and touching hearts. Tlotlo Matladi, her childhood friend, praised her as a beacon of courage in adversity, stating: "I have witnessed Mokoto's remarkable journey first-hand, and her unwavering determination and inner strength have always shone through.
She has a rare ability to inspire everyone around her and is deeply committed to personal growth and creating a positive impact. Her presence in the Miss World South Africa pageant is just one example of her dedication to making a difference, reflecting the incredible character she embodies." Mokoto said she was moved by her friend’s unwavering determination, highlighting the profound impact we can have on those we admire, especially during our teenage years of identity formation.
Mokoto, a representative of North West Province and her community, symbolises hope and ambition, focusing on community service and empowering young people as a core principle. Mokoto, a Miss World South Africa finalist, says she plans to continue her efforts, focusing on respect, humility, and grace, to change narratives, perspectives, behaviours, and lives, particularly for young girls.
"The Miss World, South Africa platform, aided me in getting the word out there about the importance of why we need young leaders at the decision-making table. In the context of the work, I will continue to talk about the menstrual hygiene management workshops, it will allow me to amplify the awareness I have been raising regarding changing humanity's perspective that women's rights are ultimately just human rights. As well as continue to destigmatise menstruation, which ultimately changes the lives of girls and women," said Mokoto.
She aims to significantly impact the fashion industry, with international aspirations to grace Vogue magazine pages and runways in Paris, New York, and London and local aspirations to be featured on billboards. Mokoto also plans to collaborate with Kotex for Menstrual Hygiene Management workshops, aiming to raise awareness about their new period underwear and benefit women and girls nationwide, emphasising their economic and ecological significance.
She explained: "Seeing as I have developed and facilitated menstrual hygiene management workshops, partnering with Kotex will not only help me amplify the importance of a more period-positive world but encourage sustainable ways for us towards that world. Partnering with a brand as big as Kotex will affirm the significance of the work I continue to do in my communities." said Mokoto.
Mokoto inspires young people to dream big, recklessly, and limitlessly, demonstrating that determination, commitment, and courage can help anyone achieve their dreams and inspire others. Her pageantry journey showcases resilience, self-improvement, and dream pursuit, inspiring those aspiring to impact and achieve success positively.
"My journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the strength within each of us. Every challenge I faced became an opportunity for growth, and my story is a reminder that with determination and a positive mindset, we can overcome any obstacle. I hope to inspire others to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams relentlessly," she concluded.
