From the runway to youth empowerment

By Anila Bukhari

Minenhle Tembe is a South African model, youth empowerment advocate, educator in training, and founder of the RiseUp Foundation. A third-year Bachelor of Education student at Sol Plaatje University, she has built a meaningful journey that brings together modelling, education, advocacy, communication, and social impact. Through her public platform, she seeks to inspire young people to recognise their potential, believe in themselves, pursue education, and rise above circumstances that may otherwise limit their opportunities.

Minenhle’s story began with a childhood dream. As a young girl, she imagined herself becoming a model, walking confidently on stages, and appearing in magazines. Eight years ago, she took her first significant step toward that dream when she entered a modelling competition at school. What initially appeared to be a simple school competition became the beginning of a journey that would shape her confidence, aspirations, identity, and understanding of purpose.

Over the years, modelling became much more than a creative pursuit for Minenhle. It became an opportunity for personal growth and a platform through which she could communicate with others and encourage young people. Her experiences in the modelling and pageantry industry have helped her develop discipline, perseverance, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the importance of using opportunities with purpose.

A significant milestone in her journey came in 2023 when Minenhle was crowned Miss Tourism Globe South Africa. The title gave her an opportunity to represent her country on an international stage and carry South African identity and spirit beyond the country’s borders. Her international experience subsequently culminated in two international accolades, achievements that remain important highlights of her modelling journey.

For Minenhle, these accomplishments represent more than titles or awards. They reflect the dedication, determination, and perseverance required to transform a childhood dream into reality. Her growing presence in the modelling industry also led to her being featured in LMA International Magazine, further expanding her visibility within the fashion and pageantry space.

Minenhle currently holds the title of Miss Petite Universe KwaZulu-Natal, through which she continues to represent her province with pride, grace, and purpose. While pageantry and modelling remain important parts of her identity, her ambitions extend well beyond the runway.

She has also developed a strong interest in brand promotion and marketing and has had the opportunity to work with brands including Suzuki and Mganwini Lodge. These experiences have broadened her understanding of the relationship between modelling, marketing, communication, and effective brand representation. They have also allowed her to contribute her skills and public presence to the promotion of established brands.

At the heart of Minenhle’s journey is education. As a Bachelor of Education student at Sol Plaatje University, she understands the transformative power of knowledge and the role education can play in changing young people’s lives. Her academic journey complements her advocacy work and allows her to connect her passion for education with her commitment to youth empowerment.

This commitment is reflected strongly through the RiseUp Foundation, which Minenhle founded with a vision centred on encouraging young people to rise above their circumstances. Through the foundation, she seeks to inspire young people to recognise their abilities, pursue education, develop confidence, and create better opportunities for themselves and others.

Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that a person’s circumstances should not define the limits of their future. Instead, young people can be encouraged to understand their own potential and use education, confidence, determination, and opportunity as tools for personal and community development.

One of the people who has inspired Minenhle throughout her journey is Zozibini Tunzi, former Miss South Africa and Miss Universe. Minenhle admires Tunzi for her strength, sophistication, passion for education, and commitment to empowerment. To Minenhle, Zozibini represents the idea that a crown can become a platform for meaningful influence rather than simply a symbol of beauty.

Zozibini’s journey has also demonstrated to Minenhle how opportunities created through pageantry can develop into broader careers involving public speaking, events, promotional activities, brand collaborations, and social influence. This perspective aligns closely with Minenhle’s own understanding of modelling and pageantry.

For Minenhle Tembe, modelling is therefore not simply about walking on a runway, wearing a crown, or appearing in magazines. It is a vehicle for communication, confidence, personal development, and social impact. Similarly, education is not merely a degree she is pursuing; it is a tool through which she hopes to contribute to the empowerment of the next generation.

Her journey from a young girl who once dreamed of becoming a model to a South African titleholder, educator in training, advocate, and founder of a youth-focused foundation reflects a story of growth, determination, and purpose.

Minenhle continues to build her journey with the belief that where someone begins does not have to determine where they ultimately go. Through modelling, education, advocacy, and the work of the RiseUp Foundation, she remains committed to encouraging young people to rise, believe in themselves, pursue their dreams, and recognise the possibilities that exist beyond their circumstances.

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