City beauty queen makes it to top 12 of Miss Intercontinental South Africa
City resident Kgaogelo Makgoba, 24, has made it to top 12 of the Miss Intercontinental South Africa.
She is a passionate advocate for education and is a qualified professional teacher, actress, theatre practitioner, broadcast journalist and writer.
Makgoba said she believes that resilience and perseverance have been key qualities that contributed to her success in making it to top 12 of Miss Intercontinental. The winner will be crowned on September 6.
“There were moments when I was not sure how I would tackle the challenges ahead, but my refusal to accept defeat pushed me to give my best in every task. Through God's grace and the strong will He has instilled in me, I have reached the finals,” she said.
She added that she focused heavily on mental and emotional preparation.
“Pageantry demands more than just physical presence, it requires you to be mentally resilient and emotionally grounded, being in the public eye, under the scrutiny of one of the most critical fan bases, comes with immense pressure to perform well. Therefore, I dedicated a significant amount of time to ensuring that I was level-headed and emotionally prepared to handle the demands of the competition, which I believe played a crucial role in my journey to the finals,” she added.
She further said being part of the top 12 made her realise just how powerful women truly are.
“Alongside these incredible ladies, I came to understand that, at a deep subconscious level, many of us have internalised the idea that women are ‘just women, and that our voices are not important’ shaped by our history and society,” she said.
Makgoba said that, being in Miss Intercontinental has shown her that women are powerhouses with voices capable of changing the world.
Speaking about her memorable moment, she said it was when her cousins and former learners attended a high tea event hosted by the Miss Intercontinental organisation in support of her journey.
“Having them there, cheering me on and sharing in that special experience, was incredibly meaningful and something I will always cherish,” she said.
She said she is also deeply passionate about education and ensuring that those around her have access to quality learning opportunities.
“My passion goes beyond just education, I am particularly focused on bridging the gap between obtaining an education and having the opportunities to make that education impactful and meaningful. As a high school teacher, I witness many of my students brimming with potential fall into the traps of township life due to a lack of opportunities, despite their educational achievements,” she said.
She added that this has driven her to create her passion project and initiative Mind the Gap, under the Kgaogelo Makgoba Foundation.
“Through this initiative, I aim to provide resources, mentorship, and pathways that connect education with real-world opportunities, ensuring that the potential in every learner is nurtured and realised. By using my platform in Miss Intercontinental, I plan to advocate for and expand this initiative, bringing greater attention to the importance of creating opportunities that make education truly transformative,” she said.
Speaking to Pretoria News, she said being a “Pretorian hun” means embodying a spirit that refuses to surrender to defeat. It’s about being unstoppable, diverse, and always the most welcoming presence in any room.
“Pretorians are heart-driven people, with an innate ability to make others feel at home, and they are among the most resilient individuals I have ever encountered. This is the spirit I carry with me on my journey one of warmth, strength, and unwavering determination,” she said.
Makgoba said growing up in a township known for its rich ethnic diversity, she has witnessed first-hand beauty and strength that comes from acknowledging and embracing our differences.
“This unique experience has inspired me to enter the competition, as I believe that our diversity is not just something to be tolerated, but a powerful force that unites us and makes us stronger. Through this platform, I hope to represent and celebrate the incredible richness that comes from our varied backgrounds, and to show how our differences, when embraced, can create a more inclusive and powerful world
The mission of Miss Intercontinental to celebrate women and embrace the diversity of cultures across the globe resonates deeply with me,” she said.
She highlighted that what set her apart in the competition is believing that her determination has gotten her where she is in the competition.
“I did not just come to compete, I came with the mindset to dominate. I remember telling my friends and sisters that this was not just about participating for me it was about making a statement and leaving a lasting impact. I was ready, focused, and fully committed to giving my all,” she said.
She said being in the top 12 means everything to her as it gives her the opportunity to advocate for the causes that are close to her heart on a much larger platform.
“This position allows me to be a beacon of light and hope for my community, which desperately needs it. It's not just about personal achievement; it's about using this platform to inspire, uplift, and make a tangible difference in the lives of others,” she said.
She added that she was very excited when she made it to the top 12.
“I literally shouted over the phone, this meant I still have the opportunity to bring the crown home and be a beacon of hope, a stark reminder to the youth of my community that their dreams are worth every chance,” she said.
Makgoba further highlighted how she handles the pressure and the expectations that comes with being in the top 12.
“This may sound cliché, but I pray. I find that I work at my best when I am fully grounded, especially spiritually. Prayer helps me centre myself, providing the clarity and strength I need to tackle challenges. I have also learnt to seek help when I need it, something I used to struggle with. By recognising my limits and reaching out for support, I have become better equipped to handle whatever comes my way,” she said.
She said being in a pageant, where there is only one crown and the atmosphere is highly competitive, it can be tempting to approach the journey by trying to emulate former queens or other contestants.
“Through this experience, I have learnt the incredible value of embracing my own individuality. Instead of comparing myself to others, I have focused on what makes me unique, and this has given me a much stronger sense of self and identity. By staying true to who I am, I have gained a profound confidence that comes from knowing that my individuality is my greatest asset,” she said.
She added that this journey has been transformative helping her to appreciate and celebrate her own strengths, rather than measuring herself against anyone else.
“I want to use my journey and experiences to show them that if God has placed a dream in their hearts, then He has also equipped them with everything they need to make that dream a reality. My goal is to foster a strong sense of self-belief and worth in these young girls, helping them understand that they are capable of achieving great things. By sharing my story and the lessons I have learned, I hope to ignite a spark within them, empowering them to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination,”she said.
She said her presence in the top 12 is a powerful reminder that women hold immense power no matter where they come from and that their voices are vital.
“It's time for society to recognise this and catch up. Women everywhere are proving that their contributions, insights, and leadership are indispensable, and we must continue to amplify their voices and ensure they are heard. Whether world is ready or not for this change, and it's time to embrace the strength and influence of women from all walks of life,” she said.
She said her goal is my goal is to win the national pageant and make history by becoming the first black woman to win the international title.
“Beyond that, my mission is to continue pushing boundaries by empowering young girls to celebrate and uplift one another in a world that often encourages competition over collaboration. I want to challenge the status quo by fostering a culture of support and sisterhood, teaching young women that their strength lies in unity and mutual empowerment,” she said.
She added that by breaking down these barriers, She hopes to inspire a new generation of women who are confident in their abilities and unafraid to lead with compassion and integrity.
“My message to the world is that self-love and self-acceptance are the foundations of recognizing your own worth. When you embrace who you are, with all your strengths and imperfections, that’s when you start to truly believe in your value. I want to encourage everyone to cultivate love and acceptance within themselves because it’s through this inner work that your sense of worth will naturally grow, empowering you to live your life to the fullest,” she said.
Pretoria News
lesego.montso@inl.co.za