MIDDELBURG – The return of grade 10 pupil Bontle Mapiala from overseas sparked joy and jubilation in the community. Bontle emerged as one of the top 6 finalists in the Miss Petite Universe competition held at Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
During her welcome event at the Dros parking area on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, Bontle expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her journey to the Caribbean Island. “Thanks to my parents, friends, and relatives, and to everybody who supported me. This journey was not easy. There were a lot of tears shed, and a lot of hard work went into this. Without God, I don’t think I would have made it here,” she said.
Bontle previously competed in a prestigious event at Emperors Palace on December 19, 2023, where she emerged triumphant. This adds to her list of accomplishments, including winning Miss Middelburg Hoërskool, Miss Teen Middelburg 2022, and Miss Pre-Teen Universe South Africa 2023.
Mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela expressed his pride in seeing a young girl from their community achieve such heights and represent the country. “We are really proud to see a young girl from our own soil reaching greater heights and representing the whole country. I really commend her courage,” said Mayor Masilela.
