Kopano Sandra Segopolo stands bright as a shining example. Born in Kraaipan in the North West Province, she has carved a unique path, balancing a career as a civil engineer, a licensed, qualified plumber, and an aspiring pageant and runway model. With an unwavering spirit and a passion for empowering women and children, Segopolo is a role model for those who dare to chase their dreams against all odds.
Raised by her grandmother alongside her siblings, Segopolo's early life instilled a deep sense of courage and optimism. She describes herself as outgoing, God-fearing, and smart working. Her career trajectory took shape through inspiring experiences and a deep-rooted passion for change. Initially, as a young girl, she aspired to be a police officer, inspired by her grandfather's stories of service.
However, her dreams began to evolve as she was introduced to a beauty contest in Grade 3 by a dedicated teacher. It was Victoria's Secret Models' Fashion shows, broadcast annually on TV that stirred her passion for modelling. The elegance and confidence of the models she saw on the screen ignited a spark within her. From that moment, she was determined to explore the world of modelling and pageantry.
Her professional journey in pageantry began in 2013 when she participated in the Miss Kraaipan pageant. Though she didn't secure the crown, her determination remained unshaken. The following year, in 2014, she was crowned Miss Kraaipan's 2nd princess. Her journey took a significant step in 2016 when she became the Brand Ambassador of InnoVonn Models, now known as the Kaboyabontle Foundation.
Serving as an ambassador opened her eyes to the transformative power of pageantry. It wasn't just about showcasing beauty; it was about advocating for communities and individuals who had lost hope in their daily lives. Kopano realized that pageantry was a platform for building a better society and giving back to those in need. In 2017, she took her aspirations to the provincial level, entering Miss Face of Mahikeng, directed by Lesco Events.
While she didn't win the crown, she was awarded the title of Miss Personality. It was during this time that Kopano fully understood the purpose of pageantry - to be an advocate for communities, bring hope to people's lives, and contribute to making the world a better place. In 2018, Segopolo ventured to Klerksdorp to pursue her plumbing training while working as a brand promoter and a Boutwear Ambassador.
She joined the Rustenburg Fashion Show and the North West School of Design as a Platinum Fashion Show model in 2019. Her dedication to pageantry led her to join the Globe Model Look Academy, further enhancing her knowledge in this field. In 2019, Segopolo participated in the Miss Face of Mahikeng 2020, which featured international titles.
Despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, she reached the top 5 and was crowned Miss Glam South Africa in 2020. Regrettably, due to the pandemic, she couldn't travel to the Philippines to represent her country. In 2021, Segopolo completed her plumbing training, marking a significant achievement in her journey.
She continues to make her mark in various domains and has earned the title of Mrs Township SA finalist in 2024. The finale is set to take place in Sandton City, Joburg, on December 9. This platform aims to restore and cement women's identities and empower them to pursue their dreams even after life's significant changes.
Sandra is a staunch advocate for women's empowerment. Raised by a single grandmother, she was empowered every day to be anything she wanted to be, regardless of societal expectations and stigmas. She is one of the women making strides in the male-dominated engineering industry, and Segopolo hopes to inspire young girls to trust themselves and believe that nothing is impossible.
