Resegofetse Kolomote, a teenager from Lomanyaneng village in Setlopo, Mahikeng, exudes a passion for pageantry. The 17-year-old Kolomote has a fervent commitment to catalyst change within her community. As she embarks on her journey through Sol Plaatjie Secondary School in Unit Six, completing her Grade 11, she stands out as more than just an aspirant in modelling, and she strives to be a role model and em- power the youth.
In a community where unemployment rates loom prominent, Kolomote advocates for pursuing dreams through dedication and hard work. Believing in the power of relentless effort, she aims to showcase to the youth that amidst economic challenges, they possess the capability to build a fruitful life, starting small with their own hands while waiting for potential job opportunities from the government.
Kolomote's journey is distinguished by her early realization of the need for a role model. While initially seeking someone to inspire her, she soon recognized her potential to become that guiding figure for others. As the eldest child, she honed invaluable leadership skills such as patience, understanding, outspokenness, and perseverance, which are crucial for setting an example for younger individuals.
The driving force behind her ability to balance multiple responsibilities lies in her unwavering passion for her endeavours. She acknowledges the occasional challenges but finds motivation by staying connected to her purpose. Central to her approach is prioritizing education, a principle guiding her successful management of various commitments.
During an interview with Mo Media, Kolomote articulated, "Every aspect of my life holds profound meaning. I am driven by my 'why,' I understand the purpose behind my actions and the necessity to thrive. "In the diversity of my endeavours, education remains the nucleus of the reason I strive. From building businesses to investing in pageant prizes, from academic roles shaping my perspective to enhancing my life, I find my drive for excellence in remembering my roots, purpose, and the unwavering dedication to where I'm headed."
Beyond her academic pursuits, Kolomote's foray into entrepreneurship adds depth to her journey. Her entrepreneurial ventures serve as a testament to the fact that age should never be a barrier to pursuing one's passions. She encourages her peers and young individuals to step out of their comfort zones, highlighting the alternative avenues available through youth development and entrepreneurship.
Pageantry played a pivotal role in Kolomote's life, acting as a catalyst for establishing her NGO, aptly named Everything Kind. Through this platform, she has been instrumental in initiating impactful community work. Leveraging her experiences, she strives to inspire others by emphasizing that everyone possesses the power within them to create change.
Her advocacy, especially among the youth, involves using her platform to empower and foster courage, aspiring to instil a belief in their potential to effect change, even at a young age. Her journey was challenging. In a disheartening encounter with a pageant organiser driven solely by monetary gains, Kolomote learned a profound lesson in leadership.
This experience reinforced her belief that genuine leadership originates from an individual's desire to make a positive impact, not external validation. This perspective has instilled a deep sense of value and empowerment in her endeavours. Kolomote's diverse experiences hold immense significance in her life. Her unwavering drive stems from her profound understanding of her purpose.
Education is the nucleus, fuelling her entrepreneurial pursuits, channelling pageant winnings into her goals, and enriching her perspective through academic roles. Her dedication springs from remembering her roots, the individuals she aims to uplift, and the unwavering reasons fuelling her pursuits.
She embodies the embodiment of empowerment and inspiration for the youth. Her journey signifies the power of perseverance and serves as a guiding light for the younger generation, showing that dedication and hard work can pave the way for a brighter future, even amid challenging circumstances.
