Meet Pinetown’s gorgeous Miss SA hopeful

BOLD, intelligent, caring and beautiful are just a few choice words when describing Miss SA hopeful, Noxolo Ndebele.

The 24-year-old was recently announced as one of KwaZulu-Natal’s top four, alongside fifth-year medical student at the University of Pretoria, Karishma Ramdev (23), qualified graphic designer, Leah Prinsloo (22) and qualified mechanical engineer, Avania Reddy (25).

“I have always followed the competition as the brand is more than just appreciating beauty, it also encourages young women to be the best they can be and helps them share their God-given talents,” said Pinetown’s Noxolo.

Nox admitted her nerves ran riot as more than 60 hopefuls clamoured for their chance to strut their stuff on the catwalk during the regionals.

“I was literally shaking and it wasn’t just from the cold. Being on stage was nerve-wracking, but I told myself that I would go out there and do my best either way.”

Despite her nervousness, Noxolo oozed confidence and owned the runway during her first walk.

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Wearing a knee-length, white cocktail dress and black heels, she made her way to the microphone to share a fun fact about herself. “I dance like spaghetti,” she said to the packed room.

“I’m tall, so when I try and dance it just looks a bit like a limp piece of spaghetti,” she laughed.

With Kwesta’s Spirit blaring in the background, Nox hit the stage in her pink swimsuit, a gold neckpiece and gold earrings. She walked, turned and posed in her figure hugging costume before tackling the judges next question.

“They asked me what I would take from Miss SA and from this experience. I would learn to be courageous as most young women from rural areas don’t think they can make a difference and I would like to make my parents proud and be the woman of my dreams,” she answered.

“I was the last one to be called. I was shocked and excited at the same time. It was mixed emotions, I didn’t cry in front of the crowd but I did cry when I got back home.”

ALSO READ: Pinetown beauty, Naledi Mshengu crowned Miss uShaka 2017

Her plans before the top 12 are announced on 12 May, include visiting five rural schools back home in Nongoma.

“I would like to encourage young children to stay in school and to study. There so many children who have to travel so far to get to school. They will make it one day,” said a determined Noxolo.

“They are leaders in the making and they can overcome their short term challenges and life will get better. Some children can give up because of the troubles they are facing right now and hopefully my words of encouragement will help them to persevere. They need to know there is a future for them.”

Noxolo has a BCom accounting degree and hopes to continue her studies until she has her honours.

“I have always wanted to be a businesswoman. The reason I wanted to study accounting was to one day create job opportunities, help eliminate poverty and make a difference in someone’s life. I would like to thank Thuthuka Bursary for the bursary I was given to study at the university in Zululand as I didn’t have any of those added worries over my head.”
“I believe that education is very important as it doesn’t just give you a qualification, it keeps you grounded and opens up a world of opportunities,” she said.

She will soon be registering her NPO, the Nobuhle Foundation. The aim of the foundation is to cover the cost of school books, uniforms and an encouraging word for learners.
Her future aims will be to introduce bursary and mentorship programmes.

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To ensure she is ready for the competition, Noxolo will add in a few extra visits to the gym and balance her diet. “I will definitely be limiting ice-cream,” she laughed.

Her top tips included steaming her face at least once a week and keeping her hair clean and tidy.

“I would cry if I won Miss SA. I would go home and thank God, because just being in the competition is a dream come true.”

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