A Cape Town meisie is the new Miss Teenager South Africa.
Kayleigh Jephta, from Table View, was crowned on Sunday night.
The 19-year-old beauty queen had been counting down on her social platforms in the run-up to the finals, which took place in Johannesburg from Friday at the Emperors Palace, in the City of Ekhuruleni in the Theater of Marcellus.
Due to Covid-19, the pageant couldn't take place in December 2020 as planned.
Kayleigh, who was crowned second princess at the same pageant in 2019, is a second-year psychology student at the University of the Western Cape and now plans to use this platform to tackle mental health issues among young people.
On Thursday, she posted on her Facebook page: “I’m officially leaving tomorrow to contest in the MTSA finals in Johannesburg! I’m entirely grateful for everyone who has supported me through my journey. Can’t wait to make you all proud.”
And she did exactly that.
OMW!!! I’m officially leaving tomorrow to attend the Miss Teenager South Africa pageant at Emperors Palace in...
Posted by Kayleigh Jephta-Miss Teenager South Africa Finalist 2020 onThursday, May 6, 2021
Speaking to the Daily Voice on Monday, the bubbly teen said: “I believe that I can spread more positivity and more awareness about mental health with this new platform I’ve been granted.
“Mental health is an important aspect in everyone’s lives.
“At least one in four adults experiences some mental health disorder.
“I will try my utmost best to inspire many people with my story and to just continue being proof to never give up on your dreams.”
Katlego Ncala, spokesperson for Miss Teenager SA, says Kayleigh was determined and consistent from the beginning.
“Kayleigh has such confidence, that if she puts her mind to anything, she can achieve it.
“Kayleigh is highly intelligent and diligent, she will be focusing on mental health issues amongst youth, to inspire and to lead.”
"The event was pre-recorded for television, to be broadcast on Moja Love DSTV Channel 157 on the 15th of May 2021," said Ncala, who is also co-founder of the pageant.
Television personality Thato Dithebe and renowned entrepreneur Kaylan Hamel hosted the event, with Diolan Govender, Mr Teen World 2018, the red carpet host.
Miss Teenager SA 2019, Taniel Da Silver handed over the reigns to Jephta after being the title holder for almost two years.
There were a total of 170 finalists from all provinces and more than 1000 entries in January 2020.
Kayleigh is also on the books of Ace Models, who had many success stories over the years, including the most recent crowning of Demi-Leigh Tebow (nee Nel-Peters) as Miss South Africa 2017 and Miss Universe 2017.
clyde.adams@inl.co.za