‘It still feels like a dream, so surreal’: Miss Teen World Mogau Ramaila

At just 16, Mogau Ramaila has claimed the prestigious title of Miss Teen World, a milestone that has left her in awe of her journey.

“Being a Miss Teen World, to this day it still feels like a dream, so surreal,” said Ramaila.

Ramaila's road to the international stage began long before she set foot on the global pageant platform — a dream nurtured since 2016.

“I feel blessed to have been awarded the Miss Teen World title because ever since I started pageantry in 2016, it has always been my dream to represent my country at an international pageant,” she said.

The announcement of her victory came as a surprise and emotions were overwhelming. “The moment my country's name was called, I was shocked and extremely excited at the same time,” she recalled.

Ramaila said her journey to winning the crown started three years ago when she first encountered The World South Africa Pageants organisation, which owns several national pageant titles, including Miss Teen World South Africa.

“I had been following them for the past three years and realised that national winners get the opportunity to compete internationally.”

The pageant took place on July 20 at the State Theatre in Pretoria and Ramaila emerged victorious, securing the biggest title in the World South Africa Pageants organisation.

Ramaila said the road to the crown had its challenges which led to her juggling pageant preparation with her schoolwork, particularly as she was sitting for her final exams during the competition.

“I had to do a few photo shoots for my content, and there were so many outfits that we had to buy, which are not cheap. Also, my coach, Ms Valerie Begbie, is a perfectionist, so we had to practise daily in the evening while I was writing my final exams as well. That was a bit of a challenge to me because of the pressure, but it was all worth it.”

Despite the intense preparation, Ramaila's experience at the pageant taught her valuable lessons in self-love and solidarity.

“I have learnt to love my fellow contestants and support them instead of seeing them as my competition. In the six days that I spent in Lima, Peru, I gained sisters from other countries. The sisterhood is amazing,” she said.

Beyond the glitz and glamour of pageantry, Ramaila said she would use her newfound platform to address important issues affecting young people today, particularly bullying.

“As a teenage girl who has experienced bullying, I would like to use the Miss Teen World platform to help other teens who are going through the same problem to overcome it by talking to someone they trust, taking care of their mental health and healing through therapy,” she said.

Her heart also extends to those less fortunate, especially orphans. “My spirit of generosity always wants to donate and give, especially to the orphans because I can't imagine not knowing a mother's love or a father's love. I have already started donating blankets at Jacaranda Children's Home in Pretoria and will be looking for more orphanages that we can donate to,” Ramaila said.

She said she was also determined to help other aspiring models who face financial barriers.

“I receive so many inbox messages on Facebook as well as DMs on Instagram from girls who say they want to do modelling but have no funds for dresses and entry fees, and some have no modelling schools in their area. I would like to help those girls to enter competitions, lend them dresses and provide them with ideas and advice on how to become a professional model,” said Ramaila.

“After Miss Teen World, I may probably take a break from national competitions for a year or two because I'm only 16 years old now and most of the competitions I would like to enter next require a minimum age of 18,” she said.