Hailing from the Platinum City, North West, Keaoleboga Nkashe’s fearless take on life is that magic happens outside of our comfort zones. The Miss South Africa hopeful believes that some of our greatest life accomplishments are waiting for us in places we would have never imagined being in. Being a woman of many talents, Nkashe is a freelance model, a kindergarten teacher, and a postgraduate student at Moreland University, and is currently studying for a Master’s degree in education. Her dedication to teaching saw her moving to Shenzhen, China, in 2019, where she taught English to young children.
Being an advocate for equal opportunity, Keaoleboga believes that every one of us deserves an equal chance to dream and exist outside of our comfort zones and truly become iconic. “Growing up surrounded by women who not only embody but advocate for selflessness, I believe that living a life in service to others is a great way to live a fulfilled life”, shares Keaoleboga.
Moziak caught up with the multifaceted Miss South Africa finalist to chat about her journey in the pageant, as well as her advocacy for equal opportunity.
Congratulations on making it to the top 10. How do you feel about reaching this milestone?
Kea: Thank you so much! I feel extremely grateful for this opportunity. It is not every day that one gets awarded an opportunity like this and my biggest prayer is that I remain present and truly immerse myself in this experience.
What drew you to the world of pageantry?
Kea: I have never really been a pageant lady, but for some reason, the Miss South Africa organization is one that I felt truly resonates with who I am and where I would like to take my life. I saw this particular pageant as an opportunity for me to grow as an individual and to uplift others as I do so.
How has your journey in this awe-inspiring competition been thus far?
Kea: The journey has been exciting and challenging. When I left China to come and compete a month ago, I would have never imagined that the amount of growth that I have gone through would happen to me in such a short space of time. I’ve met some of the most incredible women in South Africa, formed lifelong relationships, and truly began some much-needed introspection.
What has been the most memorable moment of your journey in the pageant?
Kea: My most memorable moment of this journey must be the top 10 announcement, there is no greater feeling in this world to know that someone believes in you, see your heart and they are willing to give you a chance to prove yourself. That day was confirmation to me that indeed I am going on the right path and that all that I left behind was necessary because there are greater things to come.
South Africa has various socio-economic issues. Which of these are you most passionate about tackling?
Kea: Opportunity inequality – we live in one of the most unequal nations in the world, it is not fair that 10% of South Africans own almost 80% of the nation’s wealth. It is time for the ordinary citizens of this country to play their part in whatever way, shape, or form so that we can ensure the next generation has access to opportunities that will aid in bridging the vast inequality gap.
We celebrated Youth Month a few weeks ago. What lessons do you think the youth of today can learn from the resilient youth of 1976?
Kea: To attain changes in our society we cannot wait for national leaders. We need to get up and do the work. It takes a youth that puts words into action to truly tip the scale. We need fewer hashtags and more actions.
The Miss South Africa pageant is set to take place in August. What are your plans from now until then?
My plans from now until then are to incorporate plenty of rest into my day-to-day activities, finish my university assignments, and lastly continue developing a plan of action for my cause so that once crowned I can hit the ground running.
As Miss South Africa, Kealebogo plans to embark on a campaign to make art, heritage and cultural education available in disadvantaged communities. She believes that this will ensure that the youth in those communities have safer and more productive means of recreation, while simultaneously learning how to make a living from their artistry.
