The first Mr and Miss St Francis Care Centre Africa Beauty Pageant took place on December 4 at the centre.
Neo Ramthore of Daveyton and Carlos Figueira of Alberton were crowned as winners in this pageant, which attracted other 15 young hopefuls from Boksburg and other areas.
The contestants strutted their best runway walks to impress the panel of judges consisting of Neo Sekune (Thokoza Radio host, actor, MC and motivational speaker), Happy Simelane (author, business coach, mentor and motivational speaker) and Thabo Ramohlale (SM radio host, actor, MC and motivational speaker).
Sharing their excitement, the reigning Mr and Miss St Francis Care Centre said they were excited to begin their journey of being ambassadors for the centre. They won themselves a Zendae Spa treatment voucher, makeup and nails set, R300, headphones, key holder and certificates.
Meanwhile, all contestants received participating certificates and special awards. According to organiser of the event Phumzile Ntshabele, a Mrs Universe South Africa 2021 finalist, the aim of the pageant was to raise funds for the centre.
“When the former marketing manager of St Francis Care Centre approached me with the idea, I didn’t hesitate to come on board because it was a good initiative. Though we faced some hiccups along the way, we pulled through,” said Ntshabele.
She added she was assisted by Miss Boksburg 2020 Matshidiso Mokgotho and Mr Boksburg 2020 Phumelele Kubeka, and an amount of R6 750 was raised for the organisation.
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St Francis Care Centre manager Tilly Brouwer said they were happy the centre now has young people who would be speak on behalf of the children at the centre and fight the scourge of child abuse in communities.
“The focus or theme of the pageant was Child Protection and Gender-based Violence. In regards to child protection, we felt it resonated well with us as a centre because we have a children’s section which accommodates about 43 children, and all of them have been exposed to circumstances which necessitated their removal,” she said.
Brouwer added Mr and Miss St Francis will assist them in creating awareness of the centre’s needs and wish lists to the public.
Also Read: Remember to enter Mr and Miss St Francis Care Centre Africa
Also Read: Enter Mr and Miss St Francis Africa beauty pageant