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At just 18, Lomso Kave, also known as uMajola, uQengeba, and uMangwanya, stands as a beacon of resilience and authenticity in the world of pageantry. Born and raised in the rural village of Mthonjeni in Centane, Eastern Cape, Lomso now resides in East London’s Gonubie area and is a finalist in the International Teen Supermodel South Africa 2024 competition. Her journey, however, is about more than crowns or titles; it’s a story of breaking societal expectations and embracing self-love amid personal challenges.
In her formative years, Lomso was raised by her grandmother in Centane before moving in with her parents. She attended primary school at Little Angels in Butterworth and later moved to Mpumalanga before settling in East London, where she’s completing her matric at East London Science College. At 15, Lomso’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with eczema, a chronic skin condition that deeply impacted her self-confidence and outlook on life.
“Eczema changed everything for me,” Lomso shares. “I became obsessed with covering up and avoided social situations because of the stares and questions. My confidence disappeared, and my teenage years felt consumed by doctors and treatments.” The struggle was not only physical but emotional, leaving her feeling isolated and misunderstood.
Despite these obstacles, Lomso chose not to let eczema define her. Instead, she embraced a new path—pageantry—as a means of reclaiming her self-worth and redefining beauty standards. “Pageantry became my way of breaking free from the fear of being seen,” she says. “I wanted to show that beauty isn’t about perfect skin, but about resilience and the courage to embrace yourself, even when others don’t understand.”
As a pageant contestant with a visible skin condition, Lomso faces unique challenges. Balancing her preparations for the competition with matric exams has been no small feat, and she admits there are days of self-doubt. “There are times I feel overwhelmed with trying to keep up with votes and social media, all while studying for finals,” she reveals. “I also worry about my skin in photos and at events, but I’ve learned that resilience is key. Setbacks don’t define my worth.”
Her slogan, “Ubuhle Bam, Ndiyabamkela,” meaning “My Beauty, I Embrace” in Xhosa, encapsulates her mission to inspire others to accept themselves as they are. Lomso’s platform promotes self-acceptance and challenges the unrealistic beauty standards prevalent in society. She hopes to create a safe space for young people struggling with self-esteem, encouraging them to embrace their unique qualities. Lomso envisions partnerships with mental health and body positivity organizations, hosting workshops, social media campaigns, and public speaking events to foster confidence and individuality among young people.
“To everyone struggling with self-esteem, I want you to know you are more than what you see in the mirror,” Lomso says with conviction. “True beauty is about kindness, resilience, and embracing your flaws—they’re part of what makes you special.”
The support of her community and the public plays a vital role in Lomso’s journey, and every vote in the International Teen Supermodel competition brings her one step closer to making a lasting impact. “Winning this title isn’t just about wearing a crown,” she emphasizes. “It’s about starting a movement that helps young people embrace their differences and challenges society’s narrow definitions of beauty.”
Lomso’s story is a testament to the power of self-love and resilience, showing that beauty is indeed more than skin-deep. As she continues to inspire others with her message of self-acceptance, Lomso is redefining pageantry—one that celebrates inner strength, authenticity, and the courage to shine unapologetically.
