Andile Khumalo wants to secure the Miss Teen East Rand title
The pageant has helped me build my confidence and become a better socialist.
Andile Khumalo (17) from Ramokonopi West in Katlehong made it as a Miss Teen East Rand pageant finalist.
She said her aspiration is to be crowned Miss Teen East Rand and get recognised by modelling agencies at the end of this competition. She is also hoping to build a strong sisterhood with the other contestants.
The pageant is about grooming young models to become the best version they can become.
“The Miss Teen East Rand Pageant has helped me build my confidence and to become a better socialite. I would definitely recommend other girls to join this pageant,” said Khumalo.
The youngster said the road to being a finalist was not an easy one especially with the pandemic.
“When you physically approach the supporters, you get to interact with them and they often vote for you on the go,” she added.
“Reaching out to people online is not effective compared to physical approach, although you could reach a large number of people online. Their vote or support or any form of engagement is not guaranteed,” said Khumalo.
She said the pageant taught her to respect and manage time properly as they were expected to submit everything on time. This meant shooting and submitting professional photos on time, preparing for the speech and interviews, she added.
It takes good communication skills, patience, being able to interact with people, and understanding different people, and understanding different backgrounds to win.
“I honestly cannot wait to be on stage,” she continued.
“To prepare for the finals I am working on my communication skills by doing the pageant’s question and answer sessions almost twice a week. I also download tutorials on pageantry walks and turns,” she said.
The Miss Teen East Rand finals will take place next year on May 1.
Khumalo encourages the youth to believe in themselves even when no one else does.
