From watching her sister to wearing the crown: Mother’s pride as 12-year-old Esihle wins national pageant title

What began as a little girl watching her older sister shine on stage has blossomed into a remarkable journey of purpose, discipline and success for 12-year-old Esihle Mangwana, who was recently crowned Miss Pre-Teen Queen at the International Junior Miss South Africa (IJMSA) national pageant in Mbombela.

A Grade 7 learner at Brenthurst Primary School in Brakpan, Esihle outshone contestants from across the country, impressing judges with her confidence, intelligence and commitment to youth development. Her victory is being celebrated by both her East Rand community and her hometown of Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal.

For her mother, Bongekile Siphesihle Khumalo, the moment was years in the making. Khumalo tells the Saturday Star that Esihle’s love for pageantry started by watching her older sister compete.

“As a parent, I thought it was just a phase, a fun, creative hobby for a young girl.”

That perception changed when Esihle began formal training.