MISS Mpumalanga 2023 is happy to be part of the new year.
Bokamoso Machika (22) from Sun City C in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, is studying law at Unisa.
She is also the ambassador of Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, which regulates gambling and liquor establishments.
The fourth-year law student said coming from a village, and also a home where domestic violence was a norm, she was determined not to let that deter her aspirations.
She alleged her father abused her mother physically and emotionally.
"It affected us a lot as children to the extent where my brother ended up taking drugs. I also suffered academically at high school. I took it upon myself to study law to fix certain areas in our justice system. I believe I can change our justice system," she said.
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Bokamoso said in April 2023, when she was crowned Miss Mpumalanga in Mbombela, many doors opened for her. She said she'd always dreamt of meeting prominent people and being a beauty pageant winner made it happen quicker.
"I believe in life everything is possible and now, I believe I can fly," she said.
She said her family's well-being is important to her. She said there was a time she'd only smell nice food coming from her neighbours' houses.
"I'd love to build my mother a beautiful home one day. Despite what we are and where we're coming from, my mother carried the cross for us. I want my siblings to attend therapy because of the past abuse," she said.
She said she's always humble and is ready to carry the village on her shoulders.
"I'm beautiful, smart, a visionary and I know I'll execute the plans I have for my province," she said.
Her advice to young girls coming from villages with limited resources and opportunities, is for them to go to school as she believes it's the superpower to their lives.
Bokamoso is a businesswoman owning the B-Letlotlo company which deals with water purification. She appeals to businesspeople to invest in KwaMhlanga.
