From pageant queen to philanthropist, entrepreneur and autism advocate, Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala has spent more than a decade redefining what beauty, leadership and impact look like. The former Miss South Africa has worn many crowns — literal and figurative — but her greatest influence lies in the spaces she’s built for others: from the African Beauty International Organisation to SB Kids, the Bokang Montjane Foundation, and Ausome Academy. In this exclusive interview, she speaks candidly about her evolution from beauty queen to changemaker, the lessons motherhood taught her, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.
GLAMOUR: You’ve worn many crowns in your life — from Miss South Africa to philanthropic powerhouse. How has your idea of beauty evolved since your pageant days?
Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala: When I entered Miss South Africa back in 2010, Black girls weren’t allowed to compete with their natural hair — we all had to wear weaves and avoid African hairstyles. When I judged Miss South Africa in 2019 it was important to ensure that Black girls could come as they are. Representation matters. Little girls should see themselves reflected as a definition of beauty. Pageantry has really evolved; beauty is now recognised as multifaceted.
G: The African Beauty International Organisation has become a transformative platform for women across the continent. What inspired you to create a space where women could thrive beyond the crown?
Bokang: I’ve always believed in “paying it forward.” This industry changed my life, so creating a platform to give opportunities to the youth was a no-brainer. Every project I start, I make sure it touches and changes lives.
G: Let’s talk about Ausome Academy. What led you to focus on autism awareness and build a space so tailored to children with different needs?
Bokang: My 10-year-old son is autistic. We noticed his speech delay around age three. With little information available, my husband and I had to fight to get him therapy and the right school. Years later, the boy who couldn’t speak now won’t stop talking. Reflecting on our journey, I realised many mothers don’t have access to information or resources. Ausome Academy was born to educate, create awareness and support children with autism and their families, especially disadvantaged ones.
G: In a world where neurodivergent children are often overlooked, what has this journey taught you about advocacy, inclusion and reimagining education?
Bokang: This added a new dimension to my fight for representation. I’ve learned how powerful it is to speak proudly about my son and share my journey to give hope to others. I fight for inclusion of children with disabilities in education, healthcare and community spaces, ensuring access to therapies and hosting workshops so that children with autism can be accepted by their communities.
G: The Bokang Montjane Foundation has impacted thousands through menstrual health education, school shoes and empowerment programmes. What moment or story stands out most from that work?
Bokang: Every outreach and campaign matters. The need is so high that no good deed is too small. Our DARE TO DREAM school campaigns and AUTISM CAMPAIGNS are always a highlight.
G: With SB Kids, you’ve created superheroes for African kids with your clothing brand. Who were your heroes growing up, and how have they shaped your vision?
Bokang: Growing up in GaMphahlele there wasn’t much representation in books or TV. When we moved to Polokwane, I began seeing people like Oprah Winfrey. That taught me that anything is possible as a Black child and that with a platform you can truly change lives.
G: How does your faith and culture guide the way you lead in modern spaces?
Bokang: My life has been evidence of God’s grace. Even in hard seasons I find peace knowing He is in control. That faith allows me to lead with stillness and purpose.
G: How do you stay grounded while balancing motherhood, business and philanthropy?
Bokang: I don’t believe in “balancing” all roles at once but in prioritising each at its moment. Some days I can’t cook dinner; some days I can’t give work 100%. That’s okay. We must give ourselves grace, learn to prioritise and accept that we’re human.
G: As someone who constantly gives to others, how do you refill your own cup?
Bokang: I’ve become intentional about taking time off each month to do what makes me happy without guilt. You can’t give what you don’t have, so I pour into my own cup first.
G: When people think of Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala years from now, beyond titles and achievements, what legacy do you hope they remember?
Bokang: I hope to be remembered as someone who gave and loved without reservation, who offered hope and inspired and healed through my work and my voice.
