At just 22 years old, Bonang Seroka from Mafefe Village in Limpopo is proving that dreams can flourish regardless of where you come from. As a finalist in the Courageous and Fearless Modelling Agency pageant, she is using her platform to encourage young people to embrace self-confidence and celebrate their uniqueness.
The middle child of three siblings, Bonang believes modelling is more than wearing beautiful clothes and walking the runway. For her, it is an opportunity to inspire positive change and empower others.
Growing up in Mafefe, opportunities for young people were limited. The village has no library or entertainment facilities, and its only community hall is too small to accommodate everyone. Despite these challenges, Bonang says the community remains grounded in its strong culture of respect and unity.
"This is my first modelling competition and the first time I've had the opportunity to work outside the TUT Bapedi Society, she said." I entered the pageant before telling my family because I wanted to prove myself that I could do it. I was also the first contestant to ask for public votes because I wanted to show people that I belong here too."
Bonang is currently studying at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), where she also serves as the Academic and Development Officer for the TUT Bapedi Society.
Inspired by her own experiences, she launched a body positivity campaign with the slogan "My Body, My Spirit, My Power." Through this initiative, she hopes to challenge body shaming and help young people develop healthier self-esteem.
"I have seen how body shaming can destroy a person's confidence, "she explained. "My goal is to remind young people that they are enough exactly as they are."
Balancing university studies, volunteer work, leadership responsibilities, and pageant preparations has not been easy.
"Sometimes it's scary, exciting, and overwhelming all at once," she admitted. "Managing classes, report writing, traditional dance activities, pageant rehearsals, and volunteering requires discipline."
To stay organised, Bonang follows a carefully planned timetable that helps her manage her busy schedule.
Outside the world of modelling, she dedicates her time to serving her community. She volunteers at a feeding scheme in Freedom Park, Soweto, where she helps distribute meals and participates in gardening projects by planting vegetables to support vulnerable families.
When asked about her favourite part of modelling, Bonang didn't hesitate.
"I love the runway because it's exciting, expressive, and gives me the freedom to be myself," she said. "Before every show, I spend time practicing my posture and perfecting my walk."
Her hard work has already begun to pay off. In September last year, during a collaboration with the TUT Bapedi Society, she received both the Best Attire and Overall Achiever awards.
Bonang says one of the biggest lessons the runway has taught her is patience.
"Entering a competition doesn't guarantee that you will win," she said. "Modelling also requires sponsorship and support, so you have to trust the process and remain patient."
She draws inspiration from Keabetswe Sedibane, who competed in Miss Qhawekazi and won two titles.
"She showed me that a girl from a small village can achieve great things."
Bonang also admires media personality Somizi Mhlongo for using his platform to speak for those whose voices go unheard.
Looking ahead, Bonang hopes to expand her body positivity campaign to more schools, reaching even more young people with her message of self-love and confidence.
"My body, my spirit, my power. If even one girl hears those words and stands a little taller because of them, then my crown will have a greater purpose."
For Bonang, the journey is no longer just about winning a pageant- it is about creating a legacy of confidence, resilience, and hope for the next generation.
