• Akhingomso Maselane became an ally of the LGBTQI+ community after watching a gay friend lose confidence because of bullying and rejection.
• The rural model teaches young people modelling, public speaking and confidence while encouraging girls from villages to believe in their dreams.
Akhingomso Maselane knows what it feels like to struggle with confidence.
Now the model from Ngcwamane village in Ntabankulu is helping other young people believe in themselves.
Maselane turned to modelling to build her own confidence. She now uses the platform to encourage girls from rural communities to dream big.
“I am using the platform to tell young girls from rural backgrounds like mine that they are beautiful, capable and worthy of big dreams,” she said.
Maselane helps young people with pageantry, runway modelling, public speaking, confidence and personal branding.
Her goal is bigger than producing models.
She wants young people to believe they can achieve their dreams.
Maselane has won several titles, including Miss Pretty Face Queen 2023 and Miss Mthukukazi 2024. She was also first runner-up in Miss Ntsizwa High School in 2025.
“For me, modelling is not just about beauty, it is about leadership, growth and representing my community with pride,” she said.
Maselane is also an ally of the LGBTQI+ community.
She decided to speak out after watching a close friend being bullied because he is gay.
“People laughed at my friend and the community laughed at him and that made him feel he didn’t belong,” she said.
“I saw how much pain that caused him and he started isolating himself and losing confidence.”
Maselane believes communities need stronger action against bullying and more respect for others.
She also encouraged parents to support their children.
“Do not reject your children but listen, love them unconditionally and support them because your acceptance at home can save their life and give them strength to face the world,” she said.
Community member Lumka Xolwana said Maselane’s work is making a difference.
“She’s encouraging our kids to be better and dream big,” Xolwana said.
Xolwana also believes Maselane’s work has contributed to fewer teenage pregnancies in the community, although no figures were provided to support this.
Likho Mtuke, a member of the LGBTQI+ community, said Maselane’s support is especially important in rural communities.
“She helps us to be confident about ourselves,” Mtuke said.
“She always makes sure that no one is discriminated against or abused and she’s the one who fights for us against homophobic people.”
Zelpha Makalima from Free Gender Organisation said support from individuals and organisations helps LGBTQI+ people feel safer.
She said the organisation also wants to reach more people and educate communities about queer people and homophobia.
For Maselane, the message is simple.
Whether she is on a modelling stage or standing up against bullying, she wants young people from rural communities to know their background should never limit their dreams.
Pictured above: Akhingomso Maselane from Ngcwamane village in Ntabankulu uses modelling to inspire young girls and supports the LGBTQI+ community.
Image source: Supplied.
