Curvy teens crowned

Curvy and shapely teen girls now have the opportunity to compete in beauty pageants.

The Chief Leeuw Foundation, together with partners, presented the final round of the inaugural Miss Teen Plus South Africa at Bloemfontein’s Bon Hotel on 7 July.

Bloemfontein teenager Tanaka Tsoehlisi was crowned as the winner of the Miss Teen Plus South Africa after she was unanimously voted for by a panel of judges.

Tanaka received the sought-after title ahead of her 11 contes­tants.

Tanaka’s reign will end in 2019 when her successor will be crowned.

Sivu Nogabe and Khanyisile Khuse, also from Bloemfontein, were chosen as the first and second princess, respectively.

Sivu also received the special recognition accolade of Miss Teen Photogenic. Botlhale Moholo from Gauteng went home with the title as Miss Teen Charity, while Thuto Mokapane was crowned as Miss Teen Personality.

The inclusion of the teen category, according to Samuel “Chief” Leeuw, director of the pageant, proves that well-shaped females show a sense of pride and that they value themselves.

The teen category (15 to 18 years) is a new addition to the pageant specially designed for curvy and shapely contes­tants, married and unmarried.

The other two categories are Mrs Plus South Africa and Miss Plus South Africa.

The 2018 final round of the Mrs Plus South Africa is set to be held in Bloemfontein in August as part of the Women’s Month celebrations.