Eight-year-old Reitumetse Thakalekoala is not only capturing the spotlight in South Africa’s pageant world, but she’s also using her platform to make a positive impact on her community. Born and raised in Bloemfontein, Reitumetse is a student at St. Michael’s School for Girls, where she loves swimming and dancing. Her journey in modeling and pageantry began at the age of five, competing in Miss Mangaung Metro and Mini Miss Sparkle. Currently, she is signed with Ace Models Bloemfontein and is participating in the prestigious International Junior Miss South Africa 2024, which will take place aboard an MSC cruise from December 16-22.
With a heart as big as her ambitions, Reitumetse has been dedicated to giving back, particularly to children from less fortunate backgrounds. She recently visited her father’s community, providing stationery for students as they prepare for exams, and donated sanitary pads to young girls in need. Her latest outreach took place just yesterday, on November 8, when she visited Namibia Square near the Bloemfontein Fire Station. Accompanied by her parents, she handed out school supplies to children, aiming to help them face their exams without worries about basic materials. Her dedication reflects the central role that community service plays in her young life as a pageant participant.
Reitumetse’s involvement in charity work spans volunteering, fundraising, and speaking publicly on causes close to her heart. She believes in using her platform to uplift social responsibility and positively impact lives. In her words, “Good day ladies and gentlemen, my name is Reitumetse Thakalekoala, and I’m 8 years old from Bloemfontein in the Free State. I love to dance and swim. I believe confidence is the key to unlocking inner beauty and strength, and I believe any girl can be anything they want, regardless of their skin color, age, or size.”
Her life motto, “Grace in every step, strength in every challenge, and kindness in every word,” perfectly captures the spirit of this young role model who is already making a difference in the lives of those around her.
