PINETOWN’S Khethelo Mthimkhulu needs your vote to secure her spot to represent KZN in the Empress South Africa pageant finals on 16 December.
The driven 18-year-old took a gap year to launch her online business, Stay Slay Shop, focusing on all of the grooming products a woman could need.
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Of the 45 000 applicants to the Empress South Africa pageant, there are now 120 women in the semi-finals, with four others from KwaZulu-Natal.
The Highway Mail met with the vivacious teen to find out about her journey since she took up a semi-finalist position in the pageant.
What was the driving force behind you entering the pageant?
My family and I run the non-profit organisation, Lending A Helping Hand. We work alongside about 140 underprivileged children each week and help empower them through extra maths and English lessons each Wednesday, educational programmes and life skills.
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We go on outings and host talent shows and provide each of them with sandwiches as well as a small snack.
All of this requires money and we are currently supporting this straight from our own pockets. I would like to use this platform to bring in donors and extend our reach into the communities.
What are you currently reading?
I read the Bible daily.
If there was one place in the world you would love to go to, where would it be?
I would go to New York as its beautiful and as I am business-minded, I love the fast-paced life. It intrigues me.
What three items can always be found in your handbag?
A stick of Labello, my phone and Elizabeth Arden – Red Door.
Describe yourself in three words:
Ambitious, enthusiastic and driven.
What does your typical day involve?
There’s an English breakfast, chores around the home, update the social media pages for my business, hit the gym, prepare dinner and then relax in the evening with my family.
Do you have any short-term goals?
Winning the contest and launching a his-and-hers tracksuit at the end of July. Longer term, I plan on studying a mix of drama and law.
What is your biggest fear?
Losing my mom, Lindiwe (Happiness).
I would like to thank my family, Wandile, Thokozani, Nosipho, and my boyfriend, Clever Intelligence Nzimande and to each and every person who has voted for me. Thank you.
CTA: To show your support, send an SMS with Khethelo M to 35334. The cost is R3 per SMS. Follow her journey on Facebook at Khethelo Mthimkhulu Empress South Africa 2019 Semi-finalist – KwaZulu Natal.
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