Benoni welcomes its new king and queen
Sheina Razack It was a heartwarming event at the annual Mr and Miss Benoni 2021/2022 pageant, which took place on December 5 at the aha Kopanong Hotel & Conference Centre. Graced by 100 supporters, the 20 contestants made their appearance in various outfits before the top five men and women were chosen. Under the guidance
It was a heartwarming event at the annual Mr and Miss Benoni 2021/2022 pageant, which took place on December 5 at the aha Kopanong Hotel & Conference Centre.
Graced by 100 supporters, the 20 contestants made their appearance in various outfits before the top five men and women were chosen.
Under the guidance of MC Ron McHarg, Mr and Miss Benoni journeyed through house rules, various rounds and announcing the ultimate winners.
The rounds were judged by a panel consisting of Mrs SA finalist Charné Todd, Mr Deaf SA first prince Faeem Karodia, entrepreneur, pageant judge and mentor Litshani Tshuma and content creator, visual artist and published photographer Charl Steyn.
As a tradition, the Mr and Miss Benoni from the previous year attend the event; however, 2019 winners Alexia Cawood and Jacob Nkwamba could not attend but sent letters of well wishes before the winners were announced.
Cawood: “It was an honour and blessing to be Miss Benoni. I gained clarity of what is important and Benoni is a beautiful place.”
Nkwamba: “My sincere apologies for not being able to attend. Today is not only about winning, it is about the journey and making friends.”
After reading the heartfelt speeches, Erin Moore explained the goods that were collected during the competition will be given to the Knights Charity Association NPO.
“This year, we raised an estimated amount of R35 000 in cash and goods for the Knights Charity Association. Thank you to all the contestants for their hard work,” Moore said.
The moment that the contestants and their loved ones were waiting for finally came… Drum roll…
This year’s Mr and Miss Benoni titles go to Yakim Junade Ali from Rynfield and Ntokozo Nhlapo from Daveyton.
Following Mr Benoni is first prince Connor Stuart and second prince Davin Cocker.
Following Miss Benoni is first princess Katelyn Stuart and second princess Nicole Whittington.
Not forgetting the City Times’ involvement as the People’s Choice Awards (PCA) sponsor, this year went to Mr Yakim Junade Ali and Miss Hlamekile Manana.
Whittington was the runner up in the PCA but still managed to bag the debutante of the year.
Winning the PCA, Manana said she feels like the moment is surreal and she is excited to be Benoni’s people’s choice.
Both Nhlapo and Ali are first-time entrants to the pageant and felt overwhelmed but excited by their win.
Ali: “I did this for my family, I am happy to be Mr Benoni and the choice of the people in Benoni.”
Nhlapo: “I am honoured and I will always strive to be an ambassador for Benoni anywhere I go.”
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