While many young women from Princess Raphalalani's generation focus on a single passion, she seamlessly combines two distinct fields - electrical engineering and fashion - to empower young women. The 23-year-old from Ngwenani Ya Mapholi is a second-year electrical engineering student at Vhembe TVET College.
Raphalalani has become a social media sensation, amassing more than 246,000 followers on Facebook, where she captivates her audience with her bold presence, striking fashion sense, and entrepreneurial spirit. Not only is she breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, but she is also using her social-media influence to promote local brands and encourage young women to pursue careers in fields where they are often underrepresented.
Her ability to balance her academic journey with her passion for promoting local brands and events has made her a relatable and inspiring figure for many young people in Venda. Through her work, Raphalalani is proving that women can excel in any industry, showing that passion, hard work, and confidence can break down barriers.
"I depend on myself now, and I am the one supporting my mother. Last year, I told her to stop paying for rent and groceries. I encourage young people to get up and start working," she said. She also urges young women to pursue careers traditionally dominated by men, believing they are just as capable of excelling in these fields.
"By combining my engineering studies with my passion for fashion and promotion, I want to show young people that it's possible to juggle multiple ambitions and succeed in all of them," she said.