Starting her modelling journey in 2022 with TMA Models agency in Kariega, Angelique Phela (19), a Financial Management final year student, sets her sights on bringing the coveted Teen Miss Universe title to Kariega. The main event is set to take place in Polokwane at the Meropa Sun Hotel from March 21 until 23.
“Helping people is part of me, which is why I chose to participate in a competition this big; I will use my platform to do good in my community,” Angelique said as she shared why she entered Teen Miss Universe 2025.
“I love taking on challenges, meeting new people and making new friends, no matter what background one comes from. I am not someone who likes being in a box; I want to explore and try everything while I still can,” she added.
Coming from a place where she thought she wasn’t good enough, she decided to try modelling, which in turn boosted her confidence and made her believe in herself more. Her parents, Shaun Soyes and Sweetness Phela, confirmed that ever since Angelique started modelling, she has grown from being shy and reserved to being outgoing and talkative.
She has participated in many pageants to date, but Teen Miss Universe is the biggest competition she has taken part in. She also shared that pageant competitions are fun for her as they prioritise elegance and presenting yourself as a lady, and that it is not only about the crown but supporting other models and being a role model for young girls.
According to Trish Basson, the owner of TMA Models, Angelique is a dedicated model, respectful and works well with other models.
“She recently started as a pre-trainee teacher, which starts her journey to become a teacher at the agency. She has been excelling in this role thus far, as she trains models’ skills under our guidance. She can work in a group and is a fast learner. She is always friendly and reliable, also displaying a positive attitude,” Basson said.
Basson believes that Angelique would make a great Teen Miss Universe because she has a passion for making a difference in people’s lives and her heart is in the right place.
“She is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, and she will go out of her way to help someone. I believe she would use the platform to create a change in people’s lives and not only see it as a sash,” Basson added.
Although she started modelling as a shy girl, Basson believes that she has grown in confidence and started believing in herself. Even though she started modelling recently, and was placed in the top three positions in various in-house TMA competitions, she has always remained humble.
“I believe she has grown in a few years through modelling because she has been patient, remained dedicated and never gave up despite disappointments. She saw disappointments as challenges to improve herself. I have seen her grow from a shy girl to a confident young lady who believes in herself,” she said.
Shaun Soyes, Angelique’s father, said that he and Angelique’s mother, Sweetness Phela, did all that they could to help Angelique get where she is in the competition now, saying that they spent over R35 000, which is running the family dry.
“As a parent, you want to help your child reach their dream. This has been her dream for so long and I had to do all that I could to help her, which is why I appeal to other community members and businesses to help our girl. She is determined to do well not only for herself but for the community around her as well,” Soyes said.
Angelique shared that chasing a big dream might bring greater joy at the end of the day if you attack it head on, and uses that as her mantra in life going forward.
For more information on how to help Angelique bring the prestigious title to Kariega, email her at phelaangelique@gmail.com or follow her on her social media platforms, Angelique Phela.
