The fourth instalment of the annual Miss Congo South Africa pageant will take place in December.
This year, Bedfordview resident Ms Alpha Ngoyi is among the finalists.
The 20-year-old lives on Arterial Road East.
Ms Ngoyi said she is passionate about empowering women.
“I entered the competition because I want to speak for young girls who don’t have the confidence to speak for themselves. Many women often feel like they are not good enough, not beautiful enough and at times not strong enough. Through my journey to the Miss Congo SA finale I want to awaken that fighting spirit in young girls and remind them that everything is possible,” said Ms Ngoyi.
She was born in the Congo’s Brazzaville and came to South Africa in 2013 to study.
“I am in my second year of a Human Resources Management Diploma,” she said.
Ms Ngoyi said she dreams of one day starting a non-profit organisation, through which she will help and empower the less fortunate.
She said hairdressing is also one of her talents.
In her spare time, Ms Ngoyi said she likes reading the Bible and connecting with the Holy Spirit.
She said the pageant aims to celebrate true Congolese beauty inside and outside.
“The theme for this year is ‘A truly remarkable legacy’,” said Ms Ngoyi.
She said the crowning of the next Miss Congo SA would take place on December 10 in the Joburg CBD.
