Entering the public eye comes with a unique set of expectations. For University of Eswatini student Sebakhona Clare Matisa, national recognition arrived when she navigated her way into the top three of Miss Eswatini 2024. The experience introduced her to a wider platform, elevated her profile and instilled a sense of personal confidence. Yet, as the initial fanfare subsided, Matisa found herself navigating the quieter, often unscripted reality that follows major opportunities. Behind the polished social media presence lay an ongoing journey of personal evolution, self-doubt and the determination to forge an authentic identity beyond the pageant stage.
Born and raised in Eswatini, Matisa describes her personal trajectory as a blend of ambition, unexpected hurdles and continuous self-discovery. Currently pursuing a degree in education, she remains grounded in her academic responsibilities whilst actively expanding her horizons. Over the past year, her focus has gradually shifted towards the beauty and hair industry, turning a personal creative outlet into a structured business venture.
Reflecting on her time in the Miss Eswatini pageantry, Matisa acknowledges the platform’s transformative power, while remaining candid about the unseen demands placed on young women in the spotlight. “Being part of the Top Three gave me exposure, confidence and opportunities that I may not have had otherwise. I think I made it into the top three because I was genuine. I wasn’t trying too hard to become someone I wasn’t. I showed up as myself and I think people connected with that,” she noted. She further reflected on the broader realities of public platforms: “My experience taught me that being in the spotlight doesn’t mean everything suddenly becomes easy. Sometimes, the real challenge begins after the applause.”
Cultural identity forms an integral pillar of Matisa’s personal philosophy. Having attended the traditional Umhlanga Reed Dance ceremony on multiple occasions, she views ancestral customs as a vital anchor for young emaSwati navigating modern society. Although university schedules prevent her from participating in the reed cutting this year, her stance on preserving national heritage remains steadfast. “Cultural heritage means identity to me.
It’s knowing where you come from and appreciating the traditions that have been passed down to you,” she shared. Addressing the younger generation, she added: “Don’t experience culture only through social media. Go and experience it for yourself, learn from it and understand why these traditions matter.”
Beyond her academic commitments, Matisa’s recent months have been occupied with mastering the technicalities of hair styling, wig maintenance, lash application and cosmetics. What began as a coping mechanism during uncertain times has now matured into a formal enterprise, offering professional hair installation, styling and maintenance services. This dual path allows her to bridge the gap between formal education and creative entrepreneurship. “I’m studying education, but I’ve also discovered this creative and entrepreneurial side of myself through hair and beauty,” she explained. “Learning to instal hair, wash and style it, practising lashes and exploring make-up has given me another form of expression. It has also shown me that you don’t necessarily have to choose one identity.”
Despite visible successes, Matisa openly admits to confronting moments of self-doubt, particularly when measuring her progress against social media standards. The early months of 2026 brought intense internal reflection, leading her to question her timeline and achievements. “2026 has honestly been a roller coaster. I came into the year thinking I would have achieved much more by now. I genuinely questioned whether I had done enough since my pageant experience,” she disclosed. “I’ve realised that you don’t have to have a perfect success story to have a story worth telling.”
Her long-term vision extends far beyond personal branding.
Matisa aims to complete her degree, establish her footprint in the education sector and build her beauty enterprise into an established brand capable of offering employment and training opportunities to other young women. By combining beauty content creation with practical skills development, she hopes to demonstrate that young women can embrace multiple passions simultaneously without diminishing their core values.
For members of the youth who look up to her journey, Matisa offers grounded words regarding self-acceptance, patience and resilience in a fast-paced world. “Don’t be afraid to admit that you’re still figuring things out,” she advised. “I’ve learned that everyone’s timeline is different. Sometimes you need to step back, discover yourself and find things that give you purpose again. If you’re young and you feel like you’re behind, don’t give up on yourself. Learn something. Try something you’ve never tried before. Ask for help. Start small.”
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