If you haven’t heard of Hildegard Havenga yet, it’s only a matter of time. This Pretoria-born powerhouse is a student, model, actress, speaker, and writer. And she’s just 16.
By day, Hildegard Havenga is into all things oratory – debate, drama, and theatre. By night, and on weekends, she’s a model with Steele Model Studios, where she’s landed many auditions and has worked with loads of brands. (Basically, while most 16 year olds are figuring out how to survive high school, she’s already getting a head start to her future).
From the moment she could talk, Hildegard knew she wanted to entertain, inspire, and uplift. And let’s be honest … when you’ve got wit, charm, enthusiasm, and a crazy work ethic, success is bound to follow.
Up until now, she’s won national and category awards at loads of arts festivals, participated in fashion shows and has had roles in various stage productions, including Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty.
And while many would be basking in the limelight, Hildegard keeps her feet on the ground. ‘I like to celebrate my achievements, but I also quickly put them behind me. It’s important to maintain focus and stay humble. The most important thing I’ve learned is that success cannot be defined by just one thing. It lies in the months and years of experience that allow you to grow as a person.’
When she’s not on stage or camera, she’s just a regular teen. Scrolling social media, creating relatable content, connecting with other young people, and figuring out what’s next. Which eventually led to her dipping her toes into the world of social media influencing, excited to see where it could lead. And because she’s forever learning, she’s planning to take some writing courses while enjoying the last of her high school years.
But here’s what makes Hildegard different. She’s a teen who gets teens. Not just the fun parts of being young, but the tough parts too. She’s not just another motivational speaker with generic advice. She knows what her peers are going through, because she’s going through the exact same thing.
She’s seen first hand how mental health is a daily battle for many teens. Not just because of school stress and social media, but because of each other. ‘While it’s easy to see external factors like parental pressure, teachers, social media, and academic performance as the biggest obstacles, I’ve realised that the real challenge may be closer to the heart than we think (and hard to acknowledge). Teenagers’ biggest enemy when it comes to mental health is, in many cases, actually each other,’
‘Let’s be honest about this reality. Our greatest challenges often lie in how we treat and influence one another during such a vulnerable time in our lives.’
Which is why she shares her takes on some of the biggest teen challenges.
• The fear of failure. The pressure to always be the best at everything is exhausting. ‘We set impossibly high standards and then punish ourselves for not meeting them.’ The result? Anxiety, burnout, and self-doubt. Her advice is to see failure as growth, not disaster. Try something new without expecting perfection, just for fun.
• Social exclusion. Being left out stings. And let’s be honest, teenagers are experts at making each other feel like outsiders. ‘Instead of celebrating what makes us unique, we force ourselves into little social boxes just to fit in.’ Hildegard encourages youth to embrace differences. True friends accept you as you are. And if they don’t … find better friends.
• Cancel culture. One mistake, one unpopular opinion, and suddenly you’re cancelled. ‘The fear of social rejection is so intense, it stops us from speaking up, taking risks, and being ourselves.’ She recommends to cut each other some slack. Mistakes happen … what matters is learning from them.
‘So, if you feel like you don’t fit in or think you’re not good enough, remember that your worth is not determined by others. You are enough, just as you are. The new year isn’t about becoming someone else to try and fit in; it’s about reconnecting with who you already are. Focus on what makes you, you.
‘It’s wonderful to always be there for others as a good friend, but as a teenager, you also need to focus on your own journey. Don’t lose sight of your own path in the process. It’s important to surround yourself with people who appreciate you for who you truly are and who genuinely care for you. And parents. You have an enormous responsibility to remind us of our worth and potential. Never stop inspiring us to follow our own paths with pride and determination.’
After school, Hildegard would like to study homeopathy or dietetics in Europe (or Stellenbosch if she stays local). ‘I prefer a holistic approach aimed at the natural healing of diseases and have never been a fan of traditional medical fields. One of my biggest wishes is to have a significant influence and role in the media and still work with and help people.’
Being a teenager isn’t easy. Between the pressures, the expectations, and the social whirlwind, it often feels like a battle. But Hildegard is here to remind you … you are enough. Just as you are.
Details: Follow @hildegardhavenga on Facebook and @hildegard.havenga on Insta and Tiktok
