Sarnia beauty brings the crown home
Sibongile Ndawo Engel was crowned Miss Hope Elite International 2024.
SARNIA resident Sibongile Ndawo Engel, who was the only finalist representing KwaZulu-Natal, won the title of Miss Hope Elite International 2024.
The pageant, organised by Acting Hope NPO / Hope Journey International, is a beauty pageant that does not focus on glitz and glamour as the finalists from South Africa and the world are judged on the contributions they have made to disadvantaged communities.
She said 70% of the finalists’ scores are allocated on the basis of community projects that they are involved in as pageant finalists.
“The vision behind Hope Journey International is to help youth and women find their own callings and to motivate them to become part of the solution of critical social problems in South Africa and around the world,” said Engel.
Known for her selflessness, the wife and mother of four runs a foundation called Sibongile Ndawo Engel Foundation where she focuses mostly on women’s empowerment.
“Through the foundation, I have helped quite a number of young women to register their business, more especially NPOs, and I am also their mentor.”
Also read: Eleven-year-old raises funds through pageant
The local beauty said she began her modelling career when she was in Standard Six (Grade Eight) and has always wanted to participate in a national pageant. That dream came true in 2020 when she was one of the 16 semi-finalists for Mrs Universe South Africa.
Advising young girls, Engel said people should never stop believing in their dreams.
“Dreams delayed are definitely not dreams denied – I truly believe that, and people should never lose hope,” she said.
In addition, Engel also scooped three awards at the pageant – Project Award, Congeniality Award and Interview Award.
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