Lentswe, Jouberton - The Matlosana community is holding its breath as one of its own, 16-year-old Maya Zaman from Jouberton, prepares to shine on stage at the prestigious Face of SA Teen 2025 pageant. The national final is set to take place next week in Johannesburg. This passionate teenager describes herself as deeply committed to supporting the youth in her neighbourhood with advice and guidance. She is also a fierce advocate for teen mothers, a cause close to her heart as her elder sister became pregnant during her teenage years.
Her message to teen mothers is clear and full of hope: “There is still time and lots of opportunities to empower oneself after bringing life to the world at a young age.”
Maya notes she often sees how these girls “wilt and give in” because they no longer see any value in themselves.
Her ambition extends beyond the runway. She plans to run dialogues and live sessions to reach out to both male and female teens. The goal is to discuss and share ideas about principles and moral values, to prevent them from falling prey to social media and everyday life predators and scammers who promise money and lavish living in exchange for sex.
Maya is confident that she will indeed bring this crown home. The city is unfortunately
one of those hard hit by youth unemployment, depression, and despair, clearly noticeable by high drug and alcohol abuse.
Bringing the crown home will offer a powerful symbol of hope to her peers - that only the sky is the limit to what one wants to achieve, and that there is more to life, even if you find yourself in a poor home economic background.
She gives thanks to God, her granny, Ouma Gobe, for consistent prayers, her mother for her unwavering support through her modelling journey, as well as her coach, Phoebe Moselane, and Skepie Scheepers as a mentor.
Maya Zaman vows to make the residents of Jouberton Extension 20 proud.
“Come December 16, I am bringing it home,” she said.
