PERSEVERANCE and determination was what led to Pearl Cele (18) from Mariannridge being crowned Miss Pinetown 2013.
Pearl said she had entered Miss Pinetown three times. In 2011 she was in the top 10 and last year was the second princess.
She started her modelling career in 2010 and in 2011was crowned Miss Dynamics and Miss Valentine Dynamics.
“Modelling had never crossed my mind until someone told me I had the potential and I should join a modelling agency.
Pearl, who is in matric at Mariannridge Secondary School enjoys debating and she is in the school debating team and is also the school’s representative council’s secretary general.
“If I am not studying or modelling, I go to church as I grew up in a God fearing family.
“What I love about modelling is that you get to work with different charities and assist disadvantaged people.
“My family is very committed to giving back to the community and always give away things that we no longer need,” said Pearl.
She said her role model in the modelling industry is Lwandle Ngwenya who was a Miss SA finalist in 2011.
“I am also inspired by Nhlakanipho Mdlalose who is a former Mr uShaka and a choreographer who groomed me to be the model I am today. I am very grateful to him.
“I also look up to and respect two former Miss Pinetowns, Sindi Mkhize and Nomfundo Makhanya,” she said.
Pearl will continue with her modelling career but believes that education is the key to success and has already been accepted to do a B.com in management next year and will study drama part-time.
