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Veteran actress, beauty queen, and entrepreneur Phuti Khomo has shared a poignant and deeply personal reflection on social media, sparking a vital conversation around digital scrutiny, public judgment, and the protection of youth self-worth.
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Reflecting on her decades within the entertainment industry, Khomo opened up about the emotional resilience required to navigate public life while advocating for younger generations who face the severe psychological toll of modern cyberbullying.
Navigating online scrutiny and personal resilience
Reflecting on her own journey, Khomo noted that spending decades in the public eye has equipped her with the armour needed to withstand online trolling, unsolicited opinions, and the entitlement often displayed on digital platforms.
However, her message moved beyond personal experience to address a far more alarming reality: the impact of social media environments on children and young adults who lack the emotional maturity to process public hostility.
She emphasised that while adults cannot control what the world says about them or their children, they hold the power to build the internal confidence required to face it.
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The former Miss SA Teen touched candidly on the devastating mental health consequences of unvetted digital judgment, citing how anxiety, depression, and diminished self-esteem heavily affect young minds.
She highlighted how digital filters, enhancers, and altered realities warp perception, urging society to shift its focus toward equipping youth with grounded self-worth rather than seeking external validation.
Building unshakable self-worth through action
For Khomo, addressing online hostility extends beyond social media discourse into practical intervention. She highlighted initiatives like the Phuti Khomo Modelling Expo (PKME), a platform designed not merely for runway readiness, but for fostering self-expression, individuality, and core confidence from an early age.
Through mentorship and educational workshops across South Africa, the expo aims to provide a safe space where young aspiring creatives can stand firmly in their choices without allowing outside noise to dictate their identity.
Announcing an upcoming live session to unpack these issues further, Khomo reiterated that true confidence is never about physical appearance alone, but about knowing who you are regardless of public opinion.
Her message stands as a timely call to action for parents, industry leaders, and communities to prioritise mental health, mentorship, and protective spaces for the leaders of tomorrow.
Featured image: Instagram/@phutikhomo
Also see: PHUTI KHOMO’S FUNERAL OUTFIT SPARKS MIXED REACTIONS ONLINE
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About the writer
Rhaees Hanslo
Rhaees Hanslo, an entertainment, lifestyle and narrative writer wrapped up all in one, joined the BONA team in 2026 as an editorial intern. To contact Rhaees, email rhaees.hanslo@habarimedia.com
