Behind the sash, stage lights and beautiful pageant gowns, Lienke Uys is a schoolgirl who is just as comfortable in riding clothes and covered in dust at the stables. As Miss Teen Mundial Western Cape, Miss Teen Universe Ambassador for Change, Miss Teen Universe Best Interview and Miss Teen Universe Social Media, she has discovered that pageantry can offer far more than a moment in the spotlight.

“When I’m not wearing a sash or standing on a pageant stage, I’m really just Lienke,” she says. Horses are a major part of her life, and she competes in Western Mounted Games. Between school, riding, pageantry, radio, community projects and other commitments, her schedule can become busy, but her family remains an important source of support.

Lienke believes some of life’s most valuable lessons are also learnt outside the classroom. Horses, pageantry and community work have taught her discipline, responsibility and kindness. “The things that matter most to me are my family, my faith, my horses, the people I care about and being able to make a positive difference where I can,” she explains.

Her perfect day does not require heels, makeup or a pageant stage. Instead, she would choose the stables, riding and time outdoors with family and friends. Western Mounted Games particularly appeals to her because of its speed and challenge, as well as the special relationship between horse and rider. Lienke was initially attracted to pageantry after seeing the confidence and opportunities it offered young girls. Once involved, however, she discovered a much bigger purpose. “It gives you a platform to speak, meet people, become involved in your community and discover things about yourself,” she says. Taking her first step onto the stage was frightening, but it showed her what could happen when she was willing to move beyond her comfort zone.

Holding the Miss Teen Mundial Western Cape title is especially meaningful because she is representing home. “I want to represent more than a title or a sash. I want to represent the young people, communities and diversity that make the Western Cape so special,” she says. For Lienke, having a platform also comes with responsibility, and she wants to use the attention that accompanies her title for something meaningful.

Being named Miss Teen Universe Ambassador for Change closely connects with that goal. Through her community involvement and Project RESET, Lienke hopes to encourage teenagers to speak openly about issues affecting them. “I especially want young people to feel that their voices matter,” she says. She wants teenagers to have spaces where they can ask questions, speak without judgement and understand that seeking support can be a sign of strength.

Her Miss Teen Universe Best Interview award highlighted another of her strengths. Instead of memorising polished answers, Lienke prepared by thinking carefully about her values and the person she wanted the judges to meet. “I wasn’t trying to give the ‘perfect pageant answer’. I spoke about things that actually mattered to me,” she explains. She also received Miss Teen Universe Social Media and uses her online platforms to share different sides of her life, including pageantry, horses, radio, community work and everyday moments. While social media is valuable, Lienke understands its pressures. “I remind myself that likes and followers don’t decide my worth. There is a real person behind every social media account.”

Confidence has not always meant being fearless. Lienke still experiences nerves and moments of doubt, but her equestrian experience has helped her manage them. Horses respond to a rider’s emotions, teaching her to breathe, focus and trust her preparation. She now carries that same approach onto the pageant stage.

Perhaps one of pageantry’s biggest lessons has been discovering her own courage. “I’ve learnt that I can walk into rooms where I don’t know anyone, speak in front of people, handle disappointment and keep going,” she says. She has also learnt that true confidence does not mean believing you are better than others, but believing in yourself without diminishing anyone else.

Looking ahead, Lienke hopes to compete on bigger stages, continue developing as an equestrian athlete and expand her radio, media and community work. She also wants Project RESET to reach more teenagers. Above everything, she wants her achievements to have purpose. “I don’t only want to be remembered for wearing a crown; I want to be remembered for what I did while I had the opportunity to wear it.”

Her message to other teenage girls is equally clear: “You don’t have to feel confident before you start.” Lienke believes courage often comes first and confidence follows. “Believe that there is space for you too. Your voice matters, your dreams matter, and sometimes the biggest thing standing between you and what you want is simply having the courage to take that first step.”