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The 29-year-old Mamone Village’s Queen Botseetse Kgaphola has brought jubilation to communities in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality and the entire Sekhukhune region.
Kgaphola bagged the Miss South Africa Disability 2025/26 title. She was crowned as Queen during the splendid finale held at the Thoyoyandou Town Hall on 1 November.
Kgaphola expressed delight following her achievement and she said the winning of the title brings with it more work that she must do to empower vulnerable groups, especially people with disabilities.
“I am very excited about the crown and it challenges me to work even harder to see to it that the youth, senior citizens and people with disabilities are provided a conducive environment to thrive. I want to help vulnerable groups to conquer their challenges and with this achievement, that will be easier. It opens up doors for me to be able to reach out to those in need. I am very happy and thank all those who supported me through my journey,” Kgaphola remarked.
She shared that as a person with disability, she is in a better position to understand the challenges of others.
“I am facing a lot of confrontations as a person with a disability and I know that being dependent on other people for help is not easy. My plan is to come up with programmes that will help fight social ills among the youth, abuse of senior citizens, and empower them, especially those living with disabilities to ensure their well-being,” Kgaphola highlighted.
Kgaphola indicated that being part of the Miss South Africa 2025/26 programme has taught her the importance of love and respect.
“I am overwhelmed by the support that I have been given. It taught me to love more, respect and appreciate others. I now want to work for the people more than ever, especially my community,” added Kgaphola.
Tondani Tshilande, Miss South Africa Disability founder and director, said the programme aims to empower people with disabilities and ensure their self-sustenance.
“It is not a pageant or a competition but the celebration of people with disability so that they can develop themselves further,” Tshilande concluded.
