ORATILWE Mashigo hosted the Miss Denlyn 2023 in Mamelodi in Tshwane on Sunday, 10 December.
The 19-year-old, who was crowned First Princess of Miss Teenager South Africa 2019 and Miss Teen Global SA 2019, is giving young girls a platform to shine.
Oratilwe, who is the co-director of the event, said she was thrilled to watch teenagers showing their beauty in a good way and showcasing their God-given talents.
"It was a momentous event. In fact, it's a milestone for us because becoming involved in young people's lives in such a way is a blessing. I've seen that when teenagers are given the right platform, they can do wonders," she said.
Oratilwe emphasised that the pageant is not solely focused on outer beauty but also serves as a platform for young pupils on their educational journey.
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"We offer guidelines and a helping hand to young girls to polish their confidence and voicing themselves in preparation of their independent journey throughout their lives. Furthermore, this pageant is more about talent than outer beauty.
"We focus on the inward beauty, nurturing them to build their self-confidence, belonging and ubuntu," she said.
Oratilwe highlighted the importance of a young girl finding her voice and confidently walking her path, as this will pave the way for her to become an advocate for her beliefs in the future.
Having been crowned Miss Congeniality and Cordiality in 2019, Oratilwe sees the pageantry as a vehicle to transform the passion of young people into purpose.
Among the winners of Miss Denlyn 2023 were Mutiki Musandiwa (16), crowned Miss Denyln 2023 and Miss Charity Queen; Andile Mnamathi (16), awarded Miss Denlyn Mall Fan Favorite 2023; Pre Teen Miss Denlyn Mall 2023 Queen Tatum Robyn Waterson (12); and Bonolo Matjeng (8), who earned the title of Fan Favorite.
Oratilwe said that this was the second teens' event, with the first being the 2021 Little Miss Denlyn Mall pageant.
She thanked sponsors like SAFARI, Nandos, Watloo meat, HSM Cosmetics, Romans Pizza, and others for the support.
