The 18-year-old Tshedza Mudau of Khubvi village is bubbling with excitement after she was announced a finalist for the Miss Teen World SA beauty pageant.
A B-Comm degree student at the University of Limpopo, Tshedza said that, as a young model who had previously won other pageant titles, she was geared to do well in the current pageant. "I am so energised by the motivation and encouragement [I had received] from the people who know best how I am at modelling," she said.
Her achievements in other beauty pageants include being crowned Miss Tshilamba Personality 2019, Miss Face of Makhado 2019, Miss Khubvi 2020, 1st princess for Miss Venda 2018, 1st princess for Miss Face of Matatshe 2019, 1st princess for Miss Forex Clinic 2019, Miss Thengwe High School 2019, Miss Tshilamba Public Choice 2019, and 1st princess for Miss Mphephu 2019.
She said that the moment she learned of the Miss Teen World SA pageant via social media, she knew that this was the competition she had been waiting for. "When I saw Miss Teen World SA, I said to myself: 'It is now or never!' I followed as the journey advanced. The fact that I am a finalist takes me one step closer to my dreams."
She said that being a model was not as easy as it sounded, but that she had worked hard at learning all the basics of the industry. She had even gone further to amass more knowledge on the technicalities that form part of the traits and characteristics of a model.
"Modelling has proven to be an amazing journey for me. I won many prizes and titles before and also received meritorious mentions," she said. "The most disturbing challenge in this industry is the lack of financial support to enable young girls like myself to fully enter these kinds of pageants."
She said she had always been motivated by the meaning of her name, Tshedza, which means "light" or "one with light". "My name always serves as a driving tool that gets me working hard in life," she said. "The most important part of modelling to me is not only winning titles but about the kind of inspiration you are to other girls who look up to you."
Tshedza attended St Augustine Primary School and matriculated from Thengwe High School.
"Being born in a small village has taught me that love is the only surviving tool that brings about unity and peace. I've always loved giving back to the community, but like they say: 'you cannot pour from an empty cup'. I went around asking for donations, so that I can give back. I donated pads to two schools in my village, Khubvi Primary School and Tshiseluselu Primary School."
Tshedza's campaign will include a Health Awareness Day and a Pads Drive event in Polokwane before the pageant's final, which is scheduled for 28 May.
Those interested in following Tshedza's journey in the Miss Teen World SA pageant, or who want to donate or help her raise her sponsorship fees and items, can contact her on Tel 071 591 6401. She can be followed on Facebook (Mudau Tshedza) and Instagram (@Muda.utshedza).