Local beauty aims to make Province proud
A PROUD twelve-year-old learner from Kimberley, Mishka Boughan, is looking forward to representing the Northern Cape as a finalist at the upcoming Miss Pre-Teen Universe SA 2024 pageant.
Mishka will be strutting her stuff on the Durban stage in March this year.
The Grade 7 learner from Staats Primary School started modelling at the tender age of three and has participated in a number of pageants over the last nine years, winning many and learning a great deal in the process.
Among the titles that Mishka has won are Miss Goddess Supreme Overall Junior Winner 2022 and Miss Toddler and Tween of the World in 2021 to 2023.
Her hobbies also include netball, dancing and art.
Mishka said her dream is to represent her country internationally as a model.
She highlighted that it was a “dream come true” to meet her hometown hero, Theane Willemse, who walked off with the title of Miss Teen Universe SA in 2022.
Willemse is currently her modelling coach.
Mishka pointed out that modelling is more than just beauty and glamour.
“I always thought modelling was all about the glitz and glamour, but as I grew older I realised that it’s more about giving back to the community and empowering the youth,” she said.
“When I saw that Miss Teen Universe SA is all about girl empowerment and inspiring the youth, I knew this was the platform for me.
“Miss Teen Universe has opened a lot of doors for me and the platform gave me the opportunity to embrace my love for education and helping the youth.
“I therefore adopted Kevin Nkoane Primary School as my advocacy, which is education, because I believe every child has the right to be educated.
“I donated a lot of school supplies and have held a few motivational talks at the school.”
“As Nelson Mandela said, ‘you never lose, you either win or learn’. Nelson Mandela also said that education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world.”
Mishka explained that her journey so far has been an “absolute roller-coaster”, but she has been enjoying every second of it.
“Some of my best memories are definitely meeting my beautiful sisters and former queens, which is such an inspiration.”
Among her inspirations, she also includes her director, Mom Ntombi, “who is always there to help”.
“Giving back to the community has definitely been one of my favourite memories, since I am so passionate about it.”
She said that securing sponsorships is one of the challenges that she continues to face on a daily basis.
“I am ready to make Kimberley and the Northern Cape very proud as I am working very hard and preparing for the finale on March 23 in Durban.
“I therefore humbly ask for your support and would like to thank everyone who has supported me so far.
“Thank you to the Miss Teen Universe SA organisation, especially Mom Ntombi, for this opportunity, for my family, everyone who has helped me and none of this would be possible without God.
“I promise to work hard and give my best. I aspire to become a positive influence to the youth and believe that in order to get something you never had, you need to do something you never did.”
Anyone who wants to help or to wish Mishka luck, can contact her team on 083 2846 396 or follow her journey on Instagram @mishka.boughan.
