Mohalenyane Phakela
TLHOKOMELO Sabole went a step further in her ambition to compete in global beauty pageants as she added the 2015 Miss Deaf Africa title to her already illustrious resume on Saturday.
Miss Deaf Africa, which was held in Hectospruit, Mpumalanga province in South Africa is an annual beauty pageant that began in 2012. Among its objectives is motivating and inspiring disabled children to believe in themselves and not let their disability stand in their way.
The event is also intended to highlight cultural diversity, beauty and the potential of young deaf women across the African continent.
Born in the village of Qeme Ha Thaabe on the outskirts of Maseru with a hearing and speech impairment, Sabole has not let the disability stop her from realising her modelling dream.
Her first foray in pageantry started in 2009 while in high school where she scooped the title of Miss Bartimea School for the Deaf and Blind, in Thaba-Nchu, and first princess in the same pageant in 2011.
She competed in the Miss Deaf Africa 2014 which was held in Sandton, South Africa, and walked away with the Second Princess crown.
In addition to her obvious beauty and enchanting smile, Sabole also possesses a steely determination and she resolved to compete again in the contest for the top crown.
Speaking to the Weekender this week, she attributed her triumph to “passion and commitment” to her chosen craft.
“I practised a lot in preparation for this pageant and I would like to thank my family, friends, pageant trainers, sign language interpreters and non-profit organisations that have been supporting me,” Sabole said, adding that she was not at liberty to divulge more according to the stipulations of her sponsors.
However, organisers of the event reportedly said the winner would spend a month in California, United States where she will be discuss the issues and challenges faced by deaf people.
