As a passionate advocate for youth development and progress, Lebohang Raputsoe – Miss Cosmo South Africa 2024 – is not only a beauty icon but also a dedicated leader in education and equal opportunities. Born on March 26, 1999, in South Africa, standing at 165cm, she has made her mark not only on the pageant stage but also in meaningful discussions on education and the advancement of future generations. As a Global Ambassador for Global Student Fashion Week 2025 (GSFW 2025), she is committed to promoting the values of education through fashion and art, creating a lasting impact on a global scale.
Global Student Fashion Week 2025: Shaping the global fashion industry through creativity and innovation
Global Student Fashion Week (GSFW) is not merely a fashion showcase but a vital platform that enables young talents to engage with the professional fashion industry in a deeper and more sustainable way. It is a space where innovation, boundless creativity, and sustainability in design are celebrated and nurtured.
Scheduled for December 2025 in Hanoi, the event will bring together 150 young designers from 30 prestigious universities, 999 Global Ambassadors, 900 professional dancers, and over 6,000 international guests. More than just a playground for emerging designers, GSFW serves as a meeting point for businesses, fashion experts, and global leaders to exchange ideas and explore new directions for the future of fashion.
GSFW carries a mission to promote creativity, sustainability, and cultural diversity in fashion. With the participation of influential figures in the industry, this event is not only a stage for young talents to shine but also a gateway to strategic collaborations between nations. In her role as a Global Ambassador, Lebohang Raputsoe will contribute to expanding GSFW’s vision, bridging fashion with education, and transforming art into a powerful source of inspiration. With her extensive experience in youth development and education, she aims to use her position to ensure that fashion is not just a creative industry but also a driving force for social progress.
Lebohang Raputsoe: Symbol of beauty, intellect and power to create the future
Lebohang Raputsoe is not just a beauty queen but also an education activist with a strong desire to transform fashion into a powerful medium for spreading knowledge and driving social change. She firmly believes that beauty is not only about appearance but also about intellect, responsibility, and meaningful contributions to the community. For this reason, she has leveraged her title and influence to inspire and raise awareness about education, expanding access to knowledge for young people.
Through her relentless journey, Lebohang has made her mark in prestigious beauty pageants such as Miss South Africa 2023 (Top 12), Miss Grand South Africa 2020 (Top 16), and Miss Cosmo International 2024 (Top 21). These titles are not just accolades but stepping stones that have allowed her to broaden her platform, connect with educational organizations, and develop programs that create a lasting impact on youth. “I have always believed that education can become a fashion statement – when it is expressed through art and beauty. Fashion tells the story of humanity, and I want every outfit to be a message of inspiration”, she remarks
Lebohang’s greatest inspiration comes from her parents—who have continuously instilled in her the values of responsibility, perseverance, and dedication. They planted in her the belief that every action taken today will shape the future of the next generation, and that education is the key to unlocking opportunities. For extra thoughts on this, she shared: “What we do today will shape the future of the next generation. I was taught that discipline and education are the keys to changing the world, and that is the value I want to spread to the community. I hope to use my experiences and vision to encourage young people not only to pursue knowledge but also to use it to create a positive impact”.
Ability to inspire the young generation: Power of fashion and intellect
With her experiences and personal philosophy, Lebohang Raputsoe wants to send a meaningful message to fashion students and young people around the world: “Fashion has the power to change mindsets, create impact, and tell untold stories. Use your work to convey a message, transform it into a sustainable and inspiring tool. Don’t stop at surface beauty – let fashion reflect your vision and values”.
She is currently serving as the Creative Director of International Casting Fashion Kids in South Africa, where she supports children in developing their potential within the fashion industry. She believes that early exposure to fashion education not only helps children build confidence but also equips them with essential life skills, from communication and creativity to business mindset. Her goal is to create more opportunities for young talents, providing them with a strong knowledge foundation to enter the fashion industry with a modern and professional approach.
She encourages all students worldwide: “Always pursue knowledge, develop yourself, and never stop creating. No matter where you are, let passion guide you and turn your dreams into reality. The world needs your voice, ideas, and strength”. As a Global Ambassador for GSFW 2025, Lebohang Raputsoe is not only a fashion icon but also a powerful voice in bridging education and the arts. She believes that fashion can be a tool for education and empowerment, helping young generations realize their potential and drive meaningful, lasting change.
The global mission of elevating education and fashion, aiming towards a sustainable world
Becoming a Global Ambassador for GSFW 2025 is a significant opportunity for Lebohang Raputsoe to continue her mission. She believes that fashion is not just an industry but a platform for education, empowerment, and real change within the youth community. She claimed: “Education, opportunity, and information are the keys to unlocking each individual’s full potential. As a Global Ambassador, I want to help young talents in the fashion industry build sustainable careers, bring their work to the world professionally, and create meaningful impact. I believe fashion can serve as a powerful communication tool, transforming perceptions and driving holistic development for future generations“.
In the coming years, she hopes to engage in dialogues with policymakers, contribute to advancing new educational initiatives, and create opportunities for young talents. With unwavering determination and a passion for making a difference, Lebohang Raputsoe will continue using her platform to inspire, build cultural bridges, and drive the growth of future generations.
By leveraging the power of fashion and education, Lebohang not only aims to create change within the industry but also hopes to inspire young individuals pursuing creative careers. She calls for collaboration among educational institutions, fashion brands, and policymakers to develop sustainable programs for future generations. With a far-reaching vision, she believes fashion can serve as a tool to raise social awareness, promote diversity, and create lasting value for communities.
Minh Hang | Cameron Truong
