By Teboho Moloi
HARRISMITH – Eastern Free State teenager Lesedi Sehlabi (16) will represent the Free State in the International Miss SA Teen 2026 finale after securing a place among the finalists in the highly contested national pageant.
The Grade 10 learner at New Horizon College is no stranger to the runway, having previously been crowned Queen for Free State Miss Comfort 2023 and Miss South Africa Golden Hearts 2024.
Lesedi, who hopes to study medicine and become a dermatologist, is using the competition to campaign against bullying and raise awareness about teen mental health.
She said her advocacy is inspired by her own experiences as a victim of bullying, which affected her confidence and self-esteem.
“I chose bullying because I was once a victim myself, and it affected my mental health and confidence. I believe many teenagers face similar challenges that prevent them from reaching their full potential,” she said.
The International Miss SA Teen 2026 finale will take place in September in Midrand, Gauteng.
