DELMAS — Twenty-year-old Thandolwethu Mnisi from Delmas, Mpumalanga, has been named Face of Miss Teenager South Africa 2026 and is set to represent the country at an international pageant in Peru in June. Her journey, shaped by bullying, self-doubt and resilience, highlights both the opportunities and financial barriers facing young women from small towns.
Growing up in Delmas, Mnisi says she had limited opportunities and experienced moments of insecurity. She recalls being bullied for her appearance, particularly for being “too skinny”, which affected her confidence.
Instead of retreating, she turned to modelling.
“I wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin,” Mnisi said. “At first, it wasn’t about competing. It was about finding myself again.”
Her first step into pageantry came in 2019 when she entered Miss High School Delmas, where she placed second runner-up. The result marked a turning point, and over time, pageantry became less about appearance and more about personal growth.
“Pageantry has helped me understand who I am,” she said. “It gave me a voice and taught me to stand in my truth.”
Now preparing for the international stage, Mnisi said her focus is on representation rather than competition, noting that her presence carries meaning beyond her own ambitions.
“When I think about Peru, I think about where I come from,” she said. “It’s not just about me, it’s about showing that girls from small towns can also dream beyond what they see every day.”
Still, the opportunity comes with challenges. Like many young South Africans, Mnisi faces financial constraints in pursuing international opportunities.
Travel, accommodation and preparation costs present a significant hurdle.
“Getting there is the hardest part,” she said. “The opportunity is there, but access is not always easy.”
Mnisi is currently seeking financial support to cover travel, accommodation and preparation costs for the Peru pageant in June. Those willing to assist can contact her directly or contribute through her fundraising platforms.
“Even just sharing the story or encouraging someone can make a difference,” she said.
Away from the pageant stage, Mnisi is already thinking about what comes next. She hopes to use her experience to create opportunities for others, particularly young people in her community seeking direction and confidence.
“I want to give back what I’ve learned,” she said. “If I can help someone else believe in themselves, then it means something.”
As her departure date approaches, Mnisi’s story reflects a broader reality — that talent and ambition often exist alongside barriers.
Whether she makes it to Peru or not, her journey has already begun to reshape how she sees herself and what she believes is possible.
Her story is already resonating in Delmas, inspiring other young people to imagine possibilities beyond their immediate surroundings.
