Luyanda Mthembu from South Africa is heading to the final stage of the Miss Charm contest in Vietnam, bringing with her not only a national title but also a chance to win an international title.
Mthembu brings with her her personal story of overcoming bullying, low self-esteem, and a medical incident that changed her self-perception and her view of the possibilities she could realize. She is now using this international platform to advocate for the interests of young people and encourage young individuals to recognize their worth and potential despite difficulties.
Mthembu explained that she participated in Miss Charm to gain a global platform to highlight her story, her work, and the principles underlying her activities. She stated: 'I was inspired by the opportunity to share my story, my work, and my experience on a larger stage. I saw Miss Charm as a chance to represent my background, but also the work and values that are important to me.'
The path to the final, scheduled for September 26th, was not easy; however, Mthembu described the past year as a test of her resilience and a change in her understanding of what it means to represent her community. She noted: 'The journey was frankly difficult, both in a good and a bad way, but mainly because it taught me so much. I would describe it as a character-building year. It taught me to see things through, to be resilient, and to keep moving forward even when everything doesn't go according to plan.'
'It also taught me what it means to represent my background and my community consciously. Therefore, approaching the final, I look not only at the competition itself. I look at everything this journey has taught me, and at the person it has helped me become,' she said.
Her work focuses on supporting, strengthening, and protecting young minds, assisting future leaders, and creating spaces where youth can develop without feeling excluded or inadequate. Mthembu considers this work personal because her own development was made possible by people who saw her potential and created opportunities for her.
She emphasized: 'I am a product of someone believing in me. I stand here today because there were people who saw something in me, encouraged me, opened doors for me, and gave me opportunities that helped me become who I am today. So I want to have the ability to do this for someone else. I want to create spaces where a young person feels seen, supported, and reminded that they are not inadequate, unequipped, unqualified, or disqualified from who they should be.'
Mthembu has already been working towards this goal by conducting workshops and events, as well as clothing drives aimed at creating places where young people can learn, ask questions, and develop in an atmosphere of trust and support. She recounted: 'I was given the opportunity to conduct workshops and events, participate in clothing drives, and create spaces focused on fun, trust, love, and learning. For me, it is about creating environments where young people feel safe, where they can learn, ask questions, make mistakes, and know that they are supported.'
She expressed a desire for her advocacy to continue after the contest ends. 'I want to create conversations and spaces that continue even after the contest is over. I want to encourage people, especially young people, to see what is possible for themselves and to feel comfortable enough to grow and strive.'
Mthembu also noted the special significance of representing South Africa, as she is the first person in her lineage and community to have had the opportunity to participate in an event of this scale abroad. 'This means a great deal to me because I am the first in my lineage and in my community to have had the opportunity to do something like this abroad, so I take it seriously.'
Furthermore, she aims to change the perception of beauty pageants and their potential in creating opportunities for women and communities. 'I also really want to emphasize the essence of beauty pageants in South Africa because I think beauty pageants are much more than we sometimes think. Frankly, it is underestimated in our country, but it opens doors, changes lives, influences communities, and creates opportunities worldwide. I want South Africans to know what doors beauty pageants can open and to see that women are taking their place, and they are doing it fully, with purpose, intention, and a desire to make an impact.'
However, behind the international competition is the more personal story of a woman who spoke about how it was once hard for her to see herself in the position she holds today. Mthembu shared that bullying and low self-esteem affected her confidence, and a medical incident changed her view of her appearance. 'I used to be so shy. I experienced bullying, struggled with my self-esteem, and there were times in my life when I truly didn't see myself as I see myself today. I had a medical accident, and that experience greatly influenced how I perceived my appearance. There were things I started to give up just because of how I felt and how I thought others saw me.'
According to Mthembu, stepping onto the international stage forced her to reconsider the limitations she placed on herself. 'Being here now, standing on an international stage and allowing myself to dream so big, means a lot to me. Winning would be a reminder to that younger version of me that no matter how big or distant a dream seems, it is possible if you truly commit to it.'
For Mthembu, the significance of the contest also lies in what another young person can draw from her story. 'But it will also mean something to younger versions of other people who might look at me and think they can't do anything. I want them to see my story and understand that what you have gone through should not define what is possible for you.'
Should she win, Mthembu plans to use the increased visibility to expand her advocacy, reach a wider range of young people, and build networks that can strengthen her current work.