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<\/p>\nAs blossoms bloom and new dreams take flight, we shine a light on a youngster whose courage, confidence and kindness earned her one of the country\u2019s most dazzling teen titles.<\/p>\n
Meet Karabelo Tubane, the newly crowned Queen of South Africa Teen 2025 in the 14 to 17-year-old category, and a bright rising star from the Upper Highway whose ambition is as big as her heart.<\/p>\n
At just 14, Karabelo has not only stepped into the national spotlight, but she\u2019s doing it with grace, humility and purpose. The pageant event, hosted by the South African Beauty Modeling Academy, took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Umhlanga, where finalists from all over South Africa competed for the crown. And while the tiara may glitter, it\u2019s Karabelo\u2019s glow from within that truly lights up the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to try something new and get outside of my comfort zone,\u201d she says when asked why she entered the competition. \u201cBut I also knew this platform would help me use my voice for those who don\u2019t have one.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Grade 9 learner at St Mary\u2019s DSG, Karabelo calls Gillitts home. Though this was her very first pageant, she made a bold entrance and left an unforgettable impression. Her favourite moment?<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe fittings for all my different outfits,\u201d she grins. \u201cI especially loved my traditional attire which was inspired by the Zulu and Xhosa cultures. It made me feel confident and proud of both my African heritage.\u201d<\/p>\n
She credits her mother, Kabelo, and her modelling coach, Katryn, for guiding her through the journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey supported me through everything. Without them, I wouldn’t have this title,\u201d she shares.<\/p>\n
When the final announcement was made and Karabelo\u2019s name echoed through the venue, her family and friends erupted with joy – and a bit of disbelief. \u201cThey were proud, ecstatic and a little shocked!\u201d she laughs. \u201cIt was my first pageant, after all.<\/p>\n
Pageants may look glamorous, but being on stage isn\u2019t always easy – especially for a newcomer. So how does Karabelo manage the nerves? Her answer is refreshingly relatable. \u201cI think of the reward I\u2019ll get after,\u201d she says. \u201cLike a well-done treat! That helps me stay calm and enjoy the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Describing herself as fun, kind and vibrant, Karabelo says what makes her smile the most is \u201cseeing other people happy.\u201d Whether it\u2019s family time, pamper sessions (think fresh nails, massages and a new hairstyle), or a chilled Appletiser, she\u2019s all about positivity and wants to spread that to others.<\/p>\n
For Karabelo, being a queen isn\u2019t about dresses and titles. \u201cIt\u2019s about uplifting my community,\u201d she says earnestly. \u201cThat might mean helping feed the homeless, donating or inspiring others. I want to live an impactful life.\u201d<\/p>\n
That mindset is what inspired her idea for a personal outreach initiative she would love to start called Hope in a Hamper. It\u2019s a campaign through which she is hoping to deliver food and sanitary products to less fortunate communities. \u201cI want people to know their circumstances don\u2019t define them. Nothing is impossible with God.\u201d<\/p>\n
That mindset sparked her idea for a personal outreach initiative called Hope in a Hamper – a campaign to deliver food and sanitary products to underserved communities. \u201cI want people to know their circumstances don\u2019t define them. Nothing is impossible with God.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Karabelo has big dreams and the determination to match. \u201cI\u2019d love to have my own business, to model for top designers both locally and overseas, and one day, I\u2019d really love to act on TV.\u201d Acting, in fact, is one of her hidden talents. \u201cNot many people know this, but I used to take drama classes in Grade 4 and 5 – and I did really well!\u201d<\/p>\n
She balances school, hobbies, and her new role with the help of a strong support system – especially her mom. \u201cShe helps me stay on top of things and manages my time,\u201d Karabelo says.<\/p>\n
Of course, being a queen doesn\u2019t mean she doesn\u2019t enjoy the fun stuff, too! When it comes to TikTok, she\u2019s allowed a little monitored time on social media, and says there are lots of trending videos she loves. \u201cThe Zenzele dance challenge is definitely one of my favourites right now,\u201d she laughs. And, when asked if she could have any superpower? \u201cTime travel – to the past and the future!\u201d<\/p>\n
If she could swap lives with anyone for a day, it would be Elosie Dufka, a young, successful businesswoman she admires. And what\u2019s always in her handbag? \u201cMy phone – of course!\u201d<\/p>\n
As for her favourite treat? \u201cPizza over ice cream, any day!\u201d<\/p>\n
Karabelo\u2019s message to other young girls is clear and empowering: \u201cYou can do anything you put your mind to. Don\u2019t let your circumstances define you. Most importantly, be yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
She says staying true to herself comes down to the values her parents have instilled in her. \u201cDoing what\u2019s right even when no one is watching, and understanding that every choice has a consequence. I also try to stay grounded by reading God\u2019s word and doing my devotions.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Spring awakens the world in colour, Karabelo is proof that real beauty blooms from within. With a bright spirit, a bold heart and a crown to match, this young queen is a reminder that it\u2019s never too early to make a difference.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As blossoms bloom and new dreams take flight, we shine a light on a youngster whose courage, confidence and kindness earned her one of the country\u2019s most dazzling teen titles. Meet Karabelo Tubane, the newly crowned Queen of South Africa Teen 2025 in the 14 to 17-year-old category, and a bright rising star from the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":45416,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[11725,11726,11727],"class_list":{"0":"post-45406","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-kids","8":"tag-karabelo-tubane","9":"tag-queen-of-south-africa-teen-2025","10":"tag-st-marys-dsg"},"yoast_head":"\n