Tshepang Montsho [28] from Mafenya near Rustenburg in North West is a beauty queen who sees beyond her alopecia condition, having fallen in love with beauty contests and modeling at a young age. 

The Miss Rustenburg finalist doesn’t intend to stop anytime soon, and wants to educate and empower young girls through her journey. Montsho said her biggest dream is to leave a lasting impact on young girls, to ensure they love themselves and accept who they are without any fear.

‘Because my family didn't treat me differently, I learnt to adapt’

The 28-year-old told OFM News she had a challenging childhood after she was diagnosed with alopecia at the age of five, a hair-loss condition that affects her hair from growing, leading to complete baldness.

“Older people would feel sorry for me, but kids would make fun of me for being different, in school. It hurt when others pointed out my difference. But because my family didn't treat me differently, I learnt to adapt,” said Montsho.

Tshepang Montsho wants to leave a lasting impact on young girls. Picture supplied

The Miss Rustenburg finale will be held in the Rustenburg Civic Centre on 10 August. The show aims to raise a girl child through embracing their beauty with brains.

Tshepang said she started to take part in pageant contents while attending preschool graduation of her cousin, and she hasn't looked back since.

She told OFM News amongst others, in 2019 she won Miss Tshwane University of Technology (Ga-Rankuwa Campus) and in 2023 she took part in Miss North West University.

‘I got used to walking with my bald head’

Montsho said her condition does not stop her from expressing her beauty and embracing who she is beyond expectations. “It was hard for my mother to explain to older people what was ‘wrong’ with me while growing up, but I got used to walking with my bald head and that helped build my self confidence.”

She emphasised winning is a wonderful experience, but her journey is more about teaching and helping girls build their self-esteem. Tshepang defined herself as “unique”, saying that embracing herself is the biggest thing that she can't share with other as it is important to learnt self-acceptance.

Her rodel model is the model Candice Swanepoel, who embodies many qualities she strived to emulate.

OFM News/Joba Matsheng mc