A seven-year-old pageant queen from Welkom has returned home victorious after winning two international titles at a competition in Turkey that concluded on 19 May.

Lesedi Khatoane claimed the Little Miss Universe 2026 crown and the Top Model Of The World 2026 title, representing South Africa at the prestigious event held in Europe from 6 to 19 May.

Khatoane, a Grade 2 learner at Riebeckstad Primary School in Welkom, Free State, has amassed an impressive collection of more than 25 pageant titles since beginning her modelling career at two-and-a-half years old in 2021.

Her pageantry journey started with the Little Miss Welkom first princess title in 2021, the same year she won Little Miss RSA Province. In 2022, she claimed the Little Miss Welkom winner crown.

The young model’s success accelerated in 2024 when she won Miss Welkom, Miss Tiny South Africa (Free State), Miss Free State, and secured first princess at Miss Matjhabeng.

During 2025, Khatoane dominated the pageant circuit with multiple victories. She became Miss Tiny Queen of the World first princess, Miss Tiny Tourism first princess, Miss Tiny South Africa (Free State) winner, Miss Tiny South Africa first princess, and Miss Tiny World of South Africa first princess.

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Her 2025 achievements also included winning Miss Junior Face of South Africa, Miss Tiny Best of Model first princess, Miss Tiny Africa first princess, Miss Petite Rainbow first princess, Miss Oh so Recto, Miss Pure Heart, Miss Darling Diva overall winner, Miss Welkom, Miss Mini Destiny Helpers, Miss Casual Fashion Queen, and Miss Casual Bling overall winner.

Earlier in 2026, she won Miss Tiny Sassy Queen, Miss Junior Sassy Queen overall winner, and Miss Petite Tourism first princess, securing her qualification to represent South Africa at the international competition in Turkey.

The competition saw young contestants from around the world compete for the coveted titles. Khatoane’s dual victory brought international recognition to her hometown of Welkom and the Free State province.

Following her triumph, Khatoane expressed gratitude to the people of South Africa who supported her dream. She acknowledged her mother Seipati Khatoane for guidance throughout her journey, her coach Monica Ferreira, national director Carolyn Baldwin Botha, and the Ashot International Organiser for making her international participation possible.

The young pageant star’s international success marks a significant milestone in South African youth pageantry, demonstrating the calibre of talent emerging from the country’s competitive circuit.