EMALAHLENI — For 17-year-old Nyiko Mashego, winning two Miss Integrity titles is more than an achievement. It marks a journey of personal growth, confidence and leadership.
The eMalahleni-born learner was crowned Miss Integrity Public Choice 2026 and Senior Miss Integrity 2026 and received the Future Leader Award during the Stellar School of Integrity (SSI) crowning and graduation ceremony at Gateway Church International in Witbank on 10 October 2026.
A Grade 11 learner at Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog and former Robert Carruthers Primary School pupil, Mashego enjoys writing, poetry, music and the arts.
Her journey with SSI began in 2025 after her sister introduced her to the programme. Watching participants at a crowning ceremony inspired her to join.
“I had always wanted to become someone who could confidently stand before people, express herself well and step into leadership roles,” she says.
For Mashego, joining SSI was about personal development rather than winning titles.
“My motivation was therefore not simply to win a title, but to invest in myself and develop the qualities of a good leader. Winning was an honour, but personal growth was the reason I wanted to begin,” she says.
Mashego competed alongside six other participants in the SSI Seniors group, comprising four girls and three boys. The programme included performances, speeches on personal growth and questions about participants' experiences and aspirations.
Having already won the Public Choice title, she was surprised when her name was announced again.
“When my name was announced for the Senior Miss Integrity title, I was shocked and filled with joy. I had already been called for the Public Choice title, so I was not expecting to hear my name again,” she recalls.
She says the programme taught her discipline, emotional intelligence, time management and servant leadership, while the titles brought greater responsibility.
“The journey has taught me that growth takes time and that you do not have to feel completely ready before taking an opportunity,” she says.
Mashego believes integrity means honesty, accountability and doing what is right even when nobody is watching.
“I am still learning to practise these values consistently because integrity is a lifelong commitment,” she says.
Beyond pageantry, Mashego has explored her talents through Artium, participating in writing, poetry, singing, instrumental music and visual arts. She is particularly proud of the recognition she received for her writing, including her poem Identity.
Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue higher education, with interests in leadership, law and public service. Although open to modelling opportunities, education and personal development remain her priorities.
She also hopes to use her titles to inspire young people, particularly girls, to believe in themselves and embrace opportunities for growth.
Her advice to girls struggling with confidence is to take the first step despite their fears.
“Courage does not mean having no fear. Sometimes, it means choosing to move forward despite that fear,” she says.
