Authored by: Captain SA |SA Rainbow News | 03 Dec 2025
Greetings, South Africa.
My name is Christelle Rapura, a 16-year-old young woman from the vibrant township of Thembisa. I am a proud advocate for education and youth empowerment, and the founder and CEO of the Refentse Community Foundation, an NPO dedicated to transforming the futures of young people.
#Education #YouthEmpowerment #ThembisaYouth
I entered the Miss Teen Provincial South Africa pageant because I believe this platform allows me to amplify my advocacy. Along my journey, I developed my first web app—Refentse Connect—designed to support learners with study tips, scholarship opportunities, and educational resources that help them excel.
#RefentseConnect #DigitalLearning
My greatest support system has been my mother, whose encouragement has carried me through challenges and victories. I am also grateful to my school, Child Academy Programmes, for their unwavering support throughout this journey.
#SupportSystem #GratefulHeart
Miss Teen Provincial SA Journey
The Miss Teen Provincial South Africa platform has created incredible opportunities for young women nationwide. This year, they announced that the Teen Queen Winner will compete internationally in Mexico in July next year, a milestone that has motivated me tremendously.
#MissTeenProvincialSA #GlobalOpportunities
One of the most transformative moments in my journey has been stepping into the media space, including pending podcast interviews and public engagements that continue to shape my confidence and communication skills.
#MediaExposure #GrowingThroughExperience
Balancing academics, pageantry, and personal responsibilities requires discipline. For me, balance comes through strict time management, allowing me to honor all my commitments without compromising my well-being.
#TimeManagement #BalanceIsKey
Advocacy & Purpose
I embody leadership, and at the core of my mission is the belief that every young person deserves access to quality education—regardless of their background. My advocacy aims to improve the educational system of South Africa and, eventually, the world.
#Leadership #EducationForAll
Through the Refentse Community Foundation, I have been able to serve learners directly. We have hosted career guidance programmes and computer skills sessions, both of which have benefited young people by expanding their knowledge and preparing them for the future.
#RefentseCommunityFoundation #SkillsDevelopment
As a student managing an NPO, time can be a challenge. However, my passion for empowering others drives me to fit these programmes into my schedule and ensure their success.
#YouthLeadership #PurposeDriven
The foundation has also gained media exposure, equipping learners with valuable technological and career-related skills—an essential step in a world where technology drives opportunity.
#TechSkills #FutureReadyYouth
Growing up in Thembisa, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles many schools face due to limited resources. This reality fuels my determination to be a catalyst for change, especially in a country where youth unemployment remains high.
#ChangeMaker #YouthUnemployment
My dream is to transform the South African education system so that every young person can reach the best version of themselves and access greater opportunities.
#TransformEducation #EmpowerTheFuture
Leadership & Personal Growth
I believe that a South African woman must embody resilience. Our country’s history and present challenges call for leaders who can stand strong, adapt, and find solutions—even in difficult circumstances. Through this platform, my public speaking skills and confidence have grown significantly.
#ResilientWomen #StrengthAndGrace
This experience has allowed me to embrace my true self and discover the leader within me—a leader dedicated to improving disadvantaged communities and transforming lives.
#CharacterDevelopment #AuthenticLeadership
My long-term goals include securing sponsorships to expand the work of the Refentse Community Foundation, empowering the youth to become financially independent, and taking the foundation to international heights.
#FutureGoals #GlobalImpact
My first priority is to revisit the disadvantaged schools in my community and extend meaningful support. I hope to achieve this through the Miss Teen Provincial South Africa platform and future partnerships.
#CommunityImpact #EducationReform
To the youth of South Africa, my message is simple: never give up on your dreams. Every day is a stepping stone toward your success.
#YouthMotivation #DreamBig
As part of our upcoming January initiative, communities and former learners are encouraged to donate unused school uniforms to disadvantaged schools—an effort that will support many families and learners in need.
#DonateUniforms #CommunitySupport #BackToSchool
