In a striking move towards championing disability rights and breaking societal barriers, Kwena Vinolia Nkgoeng is making her mark as a contestant in the inaugural Miss South Africa Disability Pageant.

A committed member of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Nkgoeng serves as an administration clerk in the Finance Expenditure and Salary Division at the SAPS Limpopo Provincial Office. Now, she's stepping into the spotlight as a contestant in the prestigious Miss South Africa Disability Pageant, aiming to make a powerful statement for inclusion and empowerment.

The 32-year-old joined SAPS in 2015 and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

During her time at SAPS Mashashane, she displayed exceptional dedication, going above and beyond her duties by supporting the Client Service Centre, handling administrative tasks for Vispol, capturing Operational Planning and Monitoring (OPAM) data, managing fingerprints, dockets, and firearm competencies, and actively engaging in community outreach.

Nkgoeng said the pageant represents more than just a personal ambition — ''it is a mission to dismantle stereotypes and celebrate the strength and beauty found in diversity.''

“I entered this pageant to advocate for disability rights, promote inclusion, and inspire others. Beauty is not confined by physical ability. People with disabilities deserve a place on every stage, be it in society, service or pageantry,” she said.

She added that her unwavering strength is rooted in the support of her parents and a close-knit group of friends, whose encouragement fuels her determination.

Nkgoeng added that as she prepares to take the Miss South Africa Disability stage, she carries the hopes and dreams of many, demonstrating that with courage and visibility, new stories can be written for generations to come.

“My message to the world is simple: never limit yourself. Always try new things, even when the odds are against you,” she adds.

The Miss South Africa Disability Pageant was officially launched in 2023. Unlike traditional beauty competitions, it is a developmental project designed to create opportunities, raise awareness, and promote inclusion for people living with disabilities across the country.

This empowering initiative was founded to give a voice to individuals with disabilities, celebrate their talents and business skills, foster community development, enhance education, build confidence, and provide a platform to address social issues affecting them.

The organisation stated that individuals living with any type of disability are eligible to enter the competition, provided they are South African citizens aged between 18 and 35. Registration is open on their website from February to June 2025.

The Miss South Africa Disability 2025 Grand Finale will take place at Thohoyandou Town Hall, Limpopo Province, on 1 November 2025.

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Limpopo, lauded Nkgoeng for her courage and passion, describing her as the embodiment of courage, resilience, and service.

“Administration Clerk Nkgoeng is the embodiment of courage, resilience, and service. She reminds us that the power to lead, inspire, and transform lies not in physical ability but in the strength of one’s spirit. She carries the SAPS flag with pride, and now, she wears the crown of inspiration for many.”

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za