GQEBERHA – Two young models from Motherwell are celebrating national pageant titles that have opened the door to an opportunity to represent South Africa on the international stage.

Lwazikazi Johannes (17) was crowned Miss Junior Teen Planet South Africa 2026, while nine-year-old Ayabukwa Makuluma was crowned Miss Pre-Teen Planet South Africa 2026 during the Pageant SA competition in Johannesburg from 4 to 8 July.

Both girls, who are members of the Lwazikazi Foundation in Gqeberha, were selected to represent South Africa at the Miss Junior Planet International and Miss Pre-Teen Planet International competitions in Ephesus, Turkey.

Lwando Johannes, director of the Lwazikazi Foundation, said the girls’ dedication and commitment had helped them earn the opportunity.

“Lwazikazi was selected to represent South Africa through her participation and achievements in pageantry and modelling,” he said.

“Her dedication, confidence, discipline and commitment to representing young South Africans made her a suitable representative.”

Ayabukwa’s journey into pageantry

For Ayabukwa, the journey into modelling began with a desire to build her self-love and confidence.

The Grade 4 learner at Parsons Hill Primary School has since developed a growing pageant portfolio, including Queen Face of Motherwell 2024, first princess in Miss Pre-Teen Eastern Cape 2024 and Queen Junior Miss Diverse Eastern Cape 2025.

Lwando said the young model had found more than confidence through her involvement with the foundation. “She found more than confidence; she found love, family, support and the joy of caring and sharing,” he said.

Her latest title has now given her the opportunity to represent South Africa internationally — something she hopes will help her become more confident, learn new things and meet young contestants from around the world.

She also hopes to experience different cultures, make new friends and inspire other children to follow their dreams, work hard and believe in themselves.

Lwazikazi’s decade-long modelling journey

Meanwhile, Lwazikazi has been on the pageant journey for almost a decade.

The Grade 11 learner at Kabega Christian School began competing at the age of eight with the support of her family. Since then, she has won titles including Miss Teen Port Elizabeth, Miss Junior Eastern Cape and Miss Teen Grand South Africa, and has served as an Ambassador of TMA Models.

Her modelling experience has also taken her beyond South Africa, with Lwazikazi participating in a fashion show in Botswana in October 2025.

But her journey has not been limited to the stage. Lwazikazi founded the Lwazikazi Foundation in 2018, using modelling and pageantry as platforms to empower young people, build confidence, encourage leadership and promote community involvement.

According to Lwando, the foundation’s work extends beyond modelling to include youth development, community upliftment, charity work, leadership and creating positive opportunities for children and young people.

Foundation focuses on youth empowerment

One of its initiatives is Face of Motherwell, which provides children and young people with opportunities to participate in positive activities, develop confidence and feel valued within their community.

For Lwazikazi, giving back is another part of her journey. She hopes her opportunity to represent South Africa will allow her to build positive relationships and learn from young people from other countries. She also wants to inspire other young South Africans to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.

Both girls are preparing for the international competition through pageant and runway training, public speaking, interview preparation, confidence building, deportment and stage presence.

They are also being encouraged to understand the responsibilities that come with representing South Africa and to speak confidently about their communities, aspirations and the positive messages they want to share.

The international competition was initially scheduled for 30 September to 10 October but has since been postponed to next year.

Lwando said the postponement would give national directors and models additional time to strengthen their fundraising efforts.

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