Miss Teen International receives hero’s welcome from Mayor Mpe

Newly crowned Miss Teen Model International, Pearl Mathebula [17] from Kotishing, Limpopo, received a hero’s welcome at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Mathebula, a grade 12 learner at Capricorn High School in Polokwane, was crowned at a glitzy ceremony in Lima, Peru, on Sunday.

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Her journey started when she was crowned Miss Teenager SA in December, a title that recognised not only her beauty, but her drive, confidence and passion for youth empowerment. She is the first South African to win Miss Teen Model International.

The Executive Mayor of Polokwane, John Mpe, formed part of the delegation to welcome Pearl Mathebula at the airport.

Mpe, through his Makoro John Mpe Foundation, also assisted newly crowned Miss Teen Model International Pearl Mathebula and her mother Tholapi with just over R50,000 for their trip to Peru after they could not afford flight tickets.

“Pearl has made her village, the province and the entire country proud. As a municipality, we are proud of her,” Mpe told those who came to welcome her at the airport.

“Young as she is, Pearl is an intelligent lady. We will provide her with everything at our disposal to ensure that she is well-groomed and prepared for the leadership role.

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Mathebula was welcomed back with a celebratory homecoming parade in the streets of Polokwane in Limpopo later on Wednesday.

“The entire competition was exciting despite the language barrier and also the kind of food I was exposed to back in Peru,” she said.

“Winning Miss Teen Model International means a lot to me, especially coming from a village which has no resources and other entertainment facilities and is regarded as remote,” said Mathebula, who was accompanied by her mother Tholapi.