Miss North West Exclusive 2024 is a pageant focusing on women’s leadership skills, confidence, and advocacy.

Throughout Buhle Tshoniswa’s (22) journey to becoming Miss North West Exclusive, she always advocated for education and the pressing issues of substance abuse and gangsterism in North West schools.

After being crowned on Saturday, 31 August in the Rio Convention Centre in Klerksdorp she has hit the ground running by speaking to learners at schools in her community about substance abuse and the effects of it.

“I plan to continue working on the school initiative with SANParks rehabilitation centre where we educate learners about the causes, effects, and behaviours of substance abuse,” Tshoniswa told OFM News. 

“I also plan to use my crown as a platform to create initiatives that uplift children across the province by launching community service programmes, academic, and sports programmes.”

She wants to spread a message of hope and resilience, encouraging youth to take pride in their communities. “I want them to know they’re worth it and have what it takes to make a difference in their communities. Every small action counts.”

Buhle Tshoniswa wants to spread a message of hope and resilience. Photo: Instagram/Buhle Tshoniswa

While participating in community programmes as part of her journey to becoming Miss North West Exclusive, she witnessed the challenges faced by communities around her because of substance abuse. This ignited her passion for advocacy and community service.

Tshoniswa plans to use her crown to host campaigns in schools about the dangers of substance abuse and gang involvement.

OFM News previously reported several schools in the province faced closures as teachers and learners were threatened by gang-affiliated students wielding dangerous weapons. In response, the provincial education department has launched a series of roadshows to ensure school readiness and safety.

A search and seizure operation was conducted by police, and an unannounced visit was made by the North West Education MEC, Viola Motsumi, at Meriti Secondary School in Rustenburg.

“The search and seizure initiative is part of ongoing efforts to curb crime and prevent gang-related activities from infiltrating school grounds,” said North West Department of Education spokesperson Mphata Molokwane.

“Grades 10 to 12 have been identified as areas of concern, and in response, the department has provided psycho-social support and motivational talks to assist the learners.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg