Tsakane model crowned Miss Gay RSA 2019
Ekurhuleni representd at the 2019 annual MIss Gay, Drag SA pageant.
Tsakane – Candice Leonard Sifiso Nkosi (32) says she is committed and dedicated to fight for the rights of the LGBTI community.
Born and raised in Vilakazi Street, Tsakane, the recently crowned Miss Gay RSA 2019 says winning the title is a step in the right direction to fulfilling her life’s purpose.
“There are plenty of myths which surround the LGBTI community, and I want to change that.
“Entering for this pageant was mainly a matter of activism, exposing our existence and creativity.
“Some people are just ignorant, but I believe eventually we will reach a stage where we all love and respect one another,” says Candice.
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The former Miss Ekurhuleni says she started participating in beauty pageants in 2005.
In 2011, she won Miss Gay Ekurhuleni, in 2013 she won MissB Gay Pride in Johannesburg and then entered the Miss Gay Jozi pageant which she didn’t win.
“In 2005, I won Miss Gay KwaThema, which was my first time participating in a pageant.
“I used my mom’s make up, clothes and shoes without her knowledge, luckily that paid off.
“To my surprise my mom somehow knew I was the one who took her stuff because the first question she asked me when she called was where are her shoes,” says Candice.
She added the road to winning wasn’t an easy one, as the competition was tough.
Twenty-eight contestants entered for the competition, but it eventually came down to six finalists.
Throughout the competition they had workshops and interviews.
“The final six we were given tasks to complete to prove whether we were capable of holding the title.
“We had to do community service, raise funds and campaign.
“It hasn’t been an easy journey because people would make empty promises and at times you are not taken seriously because of your sexuality.”
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She said her family has always been supportive of her lifestyle and dreams.
Her life took a bit of a drastic turn when she lost both her parents in 2011.
She had to come back home and take care of her siblings as the breadwinner.
Candice is currently studying towards a National Diploma in Public Administration.
This year the Miss Gay RSA event took place at Mbombela Civic Centre in Nelspruit on October 5.
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