Reneilwe crowned Miss Born A Star Africa
At just 11 years old, Reneilwe Angela Nkgowa is already making her mark in the world of pageantry. The young Botswana beauty queen was crowned Miss Born A Star Africa 2026 Junior Preteen Queen on September 11 in Maseru, Lesotho.
She also won the Miss Born A Star Africa 2026 Miss Popularity title, adding to her growing list of achievements. Reneilwe is also the Miss Queen of Queens 2026 Brand Ambassador, second princess in the Junior Preteen Miss Queen of Queens 2026 pageant and third princess in the Mini Mr & Miss Christmas 2025 competition.
The young queen began her pageantry journey at the age of 10 when she participated in the Mini Mr & Miss Christmas competition in 2025. Since then, her confidence, assertiveness and determination have helped her rise through the ranks.
Competing against seven young queens from Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa, Reneilwe entered the stage believing she was already a winner. Her hard work and self-belief eventually paid off.
For Reneilwe and her family, the crown represents more than beauty. It is a moment of pride and honour for representing Botswana, while also inspiring young Black children to believe that their dreams are valid.
She told Vibe that her journey is far from over. She is currently a finalist in the Little Mr & Miss Botswana Primary and Secondary Schools pageant, where she hopes to win and represent Botswana on the world stage in the United States in 2028.
Reneilwe believes pageantry is about more than wearing a crown. “Beauty pageantry is about purpose, education and using beauty to create positive change,” she said.
Her motto is: “Always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.”