DESPITE a lack of sponsors and resources, the inaugural Miss and Mr Ngqamakwe pageant was described as a success by its founder, Zinziswa Gxulu (22), who now plans to ensure that the event becomes an annual feature in the events calendar of the town of Ngqamakwe.
The inaugural pageant was hosted at the Ngqmakwe TRC Hall on June 5 and the competition was divided into three categories, namely, tiny tots for ages five to 11, teens for 12- to 17-year-olds and adults for 18- to 25-year-olds.
“The idea to come up with the Miss and Mr Ngqamakwe beauty pageant came from the realisation that there were no opportunities and exposure (in this region) for those who want to pursue a career in modelling and through this initiative I hope to unearth and groom models of the future,” said Gxulu.
She further thanked the Mnquma Local Municipality for providing the venue for the finals, free of charge, as well as Ngqamakwe Spar and Caltex Fresh Stop in Butterworth, which contributed cash prizes for the winners on the day.
Gxulu also took his top three models in each category of the pageant to the understaffed Ngqamakwe Health Centre, on June 18, where they spent a day at the facility, assisting with administration and general duties, as part of their endeavours to plough back to the community.
The winners from each category were:
- Tiny Tots: Phawu Mosana (winner), first princess Liyema Ndongeni and second princess Indiphile Gxulu.
- Teens: Salathiso Thyali (winner), first princess Sinelitha Gobeni and second princess Gcina Ndyulo.
- Adults (Miss): Oko Diniso (winner), first princess Ayanda Sigcawu and second princess Odwa Nongenzi.
- Adults (Mr): Lindokuhle Hona (winner), first prince Yamkela Dazela and second prince Owethu Mandela.
