Ximiyeto
“Just believe in yourself, believe that you can conquer anything and throw negativity away and do not think about what might have been, or what could have. Keep going and do not stop.”
Ximiyeto is a leader, model, student, and pageant title winner, who dedicates her time to helping others, especially within her community. She has begun to use her online platform to provide visibility on topics such as gender based violence and bullying, as well as the value of doing volunteer work. Her drive to achieve her dreams has come with sacrifices at times, but she has remained positive, determined, and focused through it all. Meet Ximiyeto. This is her story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
X: My name is Ximiyeto Makhubele. I am 18 years of age. I come from Limpopo Giyani which is in South Africa. Currently I am in a higher institution doing my first year. I am doing IT in Software development.
I love modelling a lot. I started pageantry at the age of 15 whereby my first title was Miss Teen exclusive Maltown. I later on participated in numerous competitions, with one of my latest titles being Miss Teen Southern Africa.
Some projects that I am involved in is doing charity work to help my community. I also started my own campaign to raise awareness about gender based violence and bullying. The name of my campaign is called HaveAHeart Foundation.
K: Describe yourself in your own words
X: I am a passionate young lady. I am loving, caring and ambitious. I always make sure that I reach my goals, thus, I am goal driven. I am someone who loves inspiring some other people in order to take up space.
K: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
X: The favourite thing about me is how I look, for I believe I am beautiful and nobody can change my perspective about it. Not to forget that I love how my personality is, as I always strive to make sure that everyone around me is comfortable.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
X: I remember I used to be somebody who was surrounded by lots of friends. As I grew older I realised that the type of friends that I had were not building me into the person I always dreamed to be.
Instead I outgrew them and decided to work on myself, because I believe in building great, perfect energy around me.
Although, during the process of building the best version of myself I also lost my best friend, whereby I totally never had friends at all. As they normally say, the people you start with you won’t end with. Our friendship broke, and I still don’t have the right words to explain the story.
I was very emotional about it but one thing that made me stronger is that at the end of the day I only need me in my life. I have to be strong for myself and there is nobody who will bring me the good deeds that I want if I do not stand up for myself.
Through these words, I’m trying to say that it’s ok to walk the journey alone. There are hiccups along the way but you just have to remain strong and bold. Remember what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, and somehow, struggles become success, and success becomes everything you want your life to be emotionally and mentally.
Be positive, be strong, be you, and everything in life will come into place. Just believe in yourself, believe that you can conquer anything and throw negativity away and do not think about what might have been, or what could have. Keep going and do not stop.
K: What is one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
X: Don't compare yourself to others because your strengths and weaknesses are your own and cannot be the same as the other person. You have your own path to pave. Enjoy the ride without looking at how others are paving their way. Find your voice and don't be afraid to use it.
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
X: Being a woman means having a strong sense of identity, being able to accept yourself no matter what. For a woman is strong and I also believe that I’m that bold, strong and a boss lady.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to them if they were here now?
X: One woman that inspires me is Tamaryn Green. She is my role model.
If she was here I would say that thank you for being someone I can look up to and learn from. Thank you for being such an inspiration and a good role model, for you have opened my eyes to see the light in life.