More than just dazzling teen stars, Akeelah Mthethwa and Tumi Jiane are rewriting the rules of the beauty industry. They don’t wait for opportunities—they create them, inspiring others and expanding their influence globally as new icons of South African youth. Their journey at Miss Teen Universe South Africa is a powerful testament to the fact that when guided and encouraged in the right way, young people can achieve the extraordinary.
Starting from the smallest crowns
To truly understand why Akeelah Mthethwa and Tumi Jiane have such a powerful influence in the beauty and performance industry, we need to look back to the early years of their journey. As young girls carrying their dreams onto the big stage, they quickly proved their natural talent by winning prestigious titles at a very young age, such as Miss Pre-Teen Universe South Africa and Teen Model World South Africa. These titles were not just trophies to display but served as a launchpad for a different mindset: youth is not limited by age, and success is entirely possible for those who dare to step forward.
They didn’t just want to be beautiful on stage—they wanted to understand how the stage itself was created. That’s why both quickly dove into learning technical aspects such as event coordination, backstage operations, lighting, sound, and stage directing. These skills, which might seem unfamiliar to typical teenagers, were embraced and mastered by Akeelah and Tumi with serious dedication and discipline. This foundation has been crucial in their rise to becoming leading hosts in the industry today.
New faces of South Africa’s beauty industry
Standing before hundreds of watchful eyes, not everyone can remain calm, captivating, and fully in control of the stage. But Akeelah and Tumi do it with remarkable natural ease. As main MCs at top events like Miss Cosmo South Africa, Miss Supranational Zimbabwe, Miss/Teen Eco-tourism World, Miss Teen Universe South Africa minis, and East Coast Radio’s Big Walk, they are not just hosts—they are the very soul of each show.
Their chemistry shines through in their eye contact, dialogue, and how they handle on-stage situations. This hosting duo works so seamlessly together that they make every event feel professional and engaging. The atmosphere they create is always youthful and modern, yet thoughtful and respectful of each competition’s values. Experts praise them generously, and audiences consistently respond with enthusiastic support.
True artists
Beyond their mastery of the stage through speech and hosting style, Akeelah and Tumi surprise the public with another talent: music. They are the lead vocalists of The Golden Voices, the main girl group of Miss Teen Universe South Africa (MTUSA).
Their versatility is not just a “bonus” to their image. It’s their musical performances that have made many realize these two young women are not a passing phenomenon but rather versatile artists steadily building a multifaceted personal brand. With strong vocal abilities, professional stage performance skills, and a youthful, modern image, they attract not only young fans but also earn the respect of event organizers, who now see them as a new generation of performers skillfully blending music, fashion, and inspiring messages.
Taking the South African aspiration to the world
After establishing their presence on the domestic stage, Akeelah and Tumi have now officially stepped onto the international scene. They were appointed as the exclusive red carpet interview MCs for Miss Teen Universe Botswana and also served as hosts at the World Pageant Expo held in the United Kingdom, one of the most prestigious events in the global beauty industry.
Being invited to participate is not only a personal honor but also the clearest proof of international recognition for South Africa’s young talent. They represent not just a country but carry the hopes, ambitions, and identity of a new generation: one that dares to break barriers, stand out, and is ready to become future leaders. Even more notably, Akeelah and Tumi are not limited to entertainment roles—they are youth ambassadors of Miss Teen Universe South Africa. They actively engage in community activities, inspiring confidence, self-leadership, and the pursuit of big dreams. For them, standing on stage isn’t about shining alone but about casting that light on those around them.
Akeelah Mthethwa and Tumi Jiane are not just two talented young women. They are living proof that when youth are placed in the right environment and guided properly, they can create breakthroughs with international impact. Miss Teen Universe South Africa is not merely producing beauty contests—it is cultivating young leaders who dare to redefine standards and lead an entire generation confidently and ambitiously into the future.
Catherine | Cameron Truong
