The Miss South Africa organization will be hosting the coronation for Miss South Africa 2021 on 16th October 2021 at Sun International Grandwest Arena, where the representatives for next year’s editions of Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss Supranational will be crowned. The organization officially announced the top 10 delegates who will now compete for the national crown.
Kgothatso Dithebe is one of the finalists who will be vying for the coveted crowns and an opportunity to represent South Africa on an international stage. She is 26-years-old and is currently studying for her LLB law degree at the University of South Africa. The diva also has a company that deals with construction and the supply of goods and services.
The diva is not new to the world of beauty pageants as she finished in the top 5 at Miss South Africa 2019. Kgothatso shared that her life story was not always easy, but sharing it with the entire nation and trying to make a difference is what she stands for. On asking why she decided to enter Miss South Africa 2021, she said, "I have seen how bullying and cyberbullying are rapidly increasing in our country, which leads to a lot of suicides and mental health issues. Being someone who was bullied, I know what that feels like. I took a different route and I want the nation to see itself in me. A story of a beautiful young girl who was bullied and committed suicide because she could not take it anymore has urged me to enter Miss South Africa once again; to be loud and to ensure I spread the message across all borders. I pride myself on representing my nation as a solid, growing, and relatable woman. "
Kgothatso shared that she was disappointed when she did not win Miss South Africa 2019 but was excited to see Zozibini Tunzi push her boundaries, change narratives, and win the crown, which eventually helped her to work hard on herself. Kgothatso's dedication to achieving her goals helped her to block out the negativity and see how bright her future was. She became more positive, confident, and stronger. She mentioned that one of the problems that the youth of the country are facing is self-identity. "The way young people see themselves, what they want from life and where they are going. Young people end up with a lot of peer pressure and societal influences which can lead to substance abuse, causing them to lack aspiration and inspiration, " added the queen.
Ma’am Basetsana Khumalo, who was crowned Miss South Africa 1994, is Kgothatso’s role model as she loves how she mentors young women. The Diva believes that beauty pageants play a significant role in helping and challenging women to be a greater version of themselves. Drawing inspiration from her own life, the stunning diva urges everyone to believe in themselves no matter what and never conform to societal standards.
Adding further, Kgothatso shared, "Throughout my life, I was told that my skin was ugly and I would try to fit in in every way possible. But one day, I decided to love myself and every single flaw that I have. I made a declaration that I was beautiful. By doing so, everyone around me started accepting and embracing not only me but for themselves. My message is to be yourself and love yourself wholeheartedly; never give the next person the power to make you feel self-conscious because of what they believe is not a societal standard. "
Kgothatso wants everyone in the country to find motivation within themselves and build themselves opportunities that will help them grow and achieve their dreams. She would like to meet any girl or woman who has given up on life or thinks that they aren’t good enough to remind them of their worth, remind them of the power they possess if she wins the crown. She is ambitious, confident, and a go-getter, which makes her one of the strongest contenders for the title.
Congratulations!