SA's Pearl Mathebula crowned Miss Teen Model International 2025 in Peru

Mzansi's has another crown to celebrate courtesy of 17-year-old Pearl Mathebula, who has brought home the Miss Teen Model International 2025 title.
The Limpopo-born beauty, who holds the title of Miss Teenager SA, dazzled judges in Lima, Peru on June 15, at a glitzy ceremony that saw contestants from across the globe competing for the coveted crown.
From her eloquent answers to her standout national costume, Pearl had the international panel and audience singing her praises.
'I am deeply honoured and grateful,' an emotional Pearl said in her acceptance speech.
'Representing South Africa and Limpopo on this international stage has been a dream come true. I look forward to using the platform to inspire other young women in our country to pursue their ambitions with courage and kindness.'
Pearl's journey started when she was crowned Miss Teenager SA in December, a title that recognised not only her beauty, but her drive, confidence and passion for youth empowerment.
She is the first South African to win Miss Teen Model International.
The Miss Teenager SA organisation congratulated her on social media, calling her 'a shining symbol of South African empowerment and cultural pride on the global stage'.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The South African

an hour ago

• The South African

Jeffreys Bay icon dies while surfing the waves that inspired his art

The Jeffreys Bay community is in mourning following the sudden passing of Stephen Bibb, a cherished local artist and surfer, who died on Friday morning while surfing – an act that encapsulated his deep bond with the ocean and the creative spirit it gave him. Stephen Bibb wasn't just a painter; he was a visual poet of the sea , a storyteller whose brush captured the soul of surf culture and the transformative power of water. His vibrant artworks – many depicting the iconic Supertubes – made him a household name in J-Bay and far beyond. Bibb lived only a few blocks from the shoreline, his studio forever infused with the scent of sea spray and the soundtrack of waves breaking. His daily surf sessions were sacred, shaping both his life and artistic vision. Works like 'Ocean Dreams' and 'Carpark Section JBay' became beloved local landmarks in paint – capturing moments of serenity and surf stoke with vivid, flowing energy. His art was born from personal darkness. Bibb often spoke of a period in his life marked by grief and depression. A life-altering moment occurred during a surf session when a pod of dolphins surrounded him. He described the experience as a 'ball of glowing white energy' rising within him – an awakening that catalysed his spiritual and artistic rebirth. From that moment forward, dolphins became a recurring symbol in his work – representing joy, healing, and connection. Bibb's style was unmistakable: glowing line-ups, barreling waves, retro kombis, and soulful ocean moments. His work, once sold in local surf shops and co-ops, gained international popularity through platforms like Displate, making his art accessible to a global audience. Mediums ranged from oils and acrylics to digital art and etched metal. Yet no matter the format, each piece carried his unmistakable reverence for the sea. Bibb wasn't just a painter – he was a mentor, a community supporter, and a quiet force of good. He donated art to anti-crime initiatives, worked with local schools and surf clubs, and inspired countless young artists who found courage in his story. Locals remember him as gentle, humble, and always smiling – especially when the swell was up. Bibb passed away doing what he loved most: surfing the waves that gave him life and voice. Though his death is a heartbreaking loss, many feel peace knowing he left this world embraced by the ocean that so deeply shaped him. He is survived by his family, friends, fellow surfers, and an international community of art lovers who saw the sea through his are underway for a community paddle-out ceremony and a memorial exhibition of his work in Jeffreys Bay. 'The sea has a spirit of its own. It teaches, it heals, and if you listen closely, it paints through you,' – Stephen Bibb. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

The South African

2 hours ago

• The South African

Carte Blanche: Death in the chicken house

The 22 June episode of Carte Blanche delves into a once-thriving chicken business now mired in controversy, uncovering disturbing reports of animal cruelty, including acts of cannibalism among birds and the presence of decomposing carcasses on-site. The exposé also highlights the plight of workers who allege they have not received their salaries for months, raising serious concerns about both ethical practices and financial mismanagement within the operation. The investigation seeks to uncover what led to the decline of this previously successful enterprise and who is ultimately accountable for the grim conditions exposed. Carte Blanche is a South African investigative journalism television series that airs on M-Net every Sunday at 19:00. Its first episode aired on 21 August 1988 and over the last 34-plus years has earned credibility among South African viewers for its investigation into corruption, consumer issues, and current events. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

TimesLIVE

2 hours ago

• TimesLIVE

‘The light of my life': DJ Sox pens touching birthday tribute to wife Gloria Bluebird

Veteran house music maestro DJ Sox, real name Mbuso Sokhela, is serving major love goals after sharing a heartfelt birthday message to his wife, Gloria Bluebird. Taking to his Facebook page, the Durban-born spinner poured his heart out in a public tribute that left his fans swooning. 'Happy birthday to the light of my life. Thank you for your boundless love and the joy you bring to our world. Today is all about YOU — may it be as beautiful as you are! I love you more than words will ever say,' he wrote. The post quickly gained traction as followers filled the comments section with well-wishes for Gloria and praise for the couple's enduring bond. DJ Sox, known for hits that shaped the golden era of Durban's house scene, has kept much of his private life out of the spotlight. But moments like these remind fans of the softer side of the hit maker.