Neggie desires to inspire
Castleview resident is a semi-finalist in the Mrs South Africa 2017.
Neggie Bakwunye is set to put Germiston on the map.
Neggie is a semi-finalist in the Mrs South Africa 2017 pageant and she is ready to make her mark.
“I was informed a day after my application that I made it into the semi-final stage,” said Neggie.
“I am humbled and honoured to be a part of this pageant.”
Neggie said she had to attend a workshop as part of the pageant requirements.
“I joined other semi-finalists from across the country at the workshop,” she said.
“It was a great workshop and the women I met are amazing; we are all vying for the crown but we get along very well.
“We have a WhatsApp group where we keep each other updated with the pageant developments.”
Neggie also said that the semi-finalists motivate each other.
“We don’t only discuss pageant issues. We advise and inspire each other in other aspects of our lives,” she said.
“We are all sisters and this group chat has become more like a women empowerment programme.”
The Castleview resident told the GCN that she wants to use the pageant to inspire other women.
“I want to show other women out there that you don’t have to be a certain height, size or shape to be beautiful and to make a difference,” said Neggie.
“You have to be comfortable and confident in your own skin.”
Neggie’s desire to inspire is motivated by her own struggles with self-esteem. As a child her self-esteem took a dive due to bullying and negative criticism.
“I was constantly criticised because of my weight and height,” she said.
“I had to learn to love myself and not let what others say about me get to me.
“I thank my cousin, Buyile Ntimane, who was one of the people who helped me fight my low self-esteem.
“You are beautiful the way you are. Don’t let anybody ever tell you otherwise.”
The local semi-finalist also finds time out of being a full-time working mom to Ebube (4) and Chidi (5 months), wife to Chukwuji and student to give back to the community.
Among other things, Neggie initiated a peer education programme that she runs at the Johannesburg Varsity College.
“We have motivational talks and discussions about daily challenges at our meetings,” explained Neggie.
“We also have movie nights where I make popcorn at home and buy cold drinks and we just relax and watch movies.
“I am also part of something similar at Cathula Primary School, in Katlehong, where I work with Grade Seven learners in preparing them for high school.
“I also try and source basic essentials for the children.”
Neggie said she loves working with people.
“There is nothing as gratifying as saving a child, make a difference where you can,” she said.
“I want to win this pageant. It means a lot to me and I intend to give it my best.”
A semi-final motivational workshop will be held prior to the announcement of the finalists on April 28.
The crowning of the winner is expected to take place in October.
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