Lebogang Mahlangu’s good looks, charm and intelligence have earned her a spot at this year’s Miss SA finals. However,outside of having her eyes set on the coveted crown, she is committed to uplifting young people in South Africa.
Mahlangu hopes to assist young men and women to become social entrepreneurs, especially those who live in Shoshanguve, Pretoria where she grew up. Driven by a strong philanthropic spirit, she started a bakery in Shoshanguve that provides bread that is much cheaper than the local shops.
Upon completing matric, Mahlangu enrolled for a four-year BSc Food Science degree at Stellenbosch University, which prepared her to land a job at global FMCG company Unilever as an R&D food technologist.
However, Lebo yearned to give back to her community so she decided to enter beauty pageants to help raise money to start a business that would create jobs.In 2018 she won the Miss Mamelodi Sundowns Pageant. She used the prize money to fund the launch of her bakery at her parents’ house which she extended.
“Bread is a staple food for many township residents and the bakery is popular because we sell a superior product at an affordable price. Now that the bakery is running smoothly, I want to look at setting up more businesses and offer shares to young men and women,” said Mahlangu.
“Yes, the Covid-19 pandemic hangs like a dark cloud over the whole world. However, I want to offer the youth something to look forward to despite the doom and gloom.If I clinch the Miss SA title, I will use my winnings to provide spaces for young people to grow and make an impact,” said the effervescent Lebo” she added.
