Beauty pageant fights drugs in Katlehong

Umuntu Naye Organization (UNO), in partnership with the City of Ekurhuleni, invites aspiring models to take part in the first annual Mr and Miss Ward 45 beauty pageant at Lethukuthula Primary School on September 30.

They encourage girls and boys aged between 13 and 17, as well as ladies and gents of 18 to 25, to enter.

UNO was founded by its chairperson, Thabiso Mngomezulu, in February 2022. The other executive members are deputy chairperson Makasela Masia, secretary Sibongile Dube, treasurer Maite Mooka, manager Lerato Mothebe and public relations officer Lebohang Mashego.

Mngomezulu said they hope to tackle the challenge of drugs through this initiative and other programs.
He said the government cannot fight the surge of drugs by themselves; they need to work with NGOs and parents.

“Sometimes we push children to go to school and forget about their talents. As we are hosting this event, we have invited people who have succeeded, to motivate them,” said Mngomezulu.

“This will help children channel their energy and focus on their talents. By so doing, we know that when children leave school at 2pm, they will go to practice until 5 pm.

We are closing the time gap that allows the children to be on the streets, exposed to wrong influences that could lead to drug addiction.”

He said another programme with a similar objective is Pillar to Post. They take ill-disciplined children to correctional services to educate and discourage them from participating in criminal activities.

Other programs include school tours, sports, art and culture, farming, motivation from ex-convicts and disability programs, among others.

Mathebe, the manager of UNO, said they want to revive beauty pageants in the township and to comfort the boy child, who often gets discouraged.

“When boys apply to contests, their friends discourage them and get bullied because they are told that pageants are for girls and gay people, which is wrong,” said Mathebe.

We want to teach them they can take up modelling as a career, as companies are looking for models to advertise their brands – be it clothes, shoes and jewellery, it is not only about the ramp.”

Mathebe is bringing her experience to the initiative. She previously hosted the Mr and Miss Primary School at Mofokeng Section before the Covid-19 pandemic interrupted them.

She was also involved in the Mr and Miss Face of Clap and Tap National at Khutsong in June 2022.

She said they are bringing something people usually see on TV to the townships.

“It will be a three-category session and we have performers who will entertain the crowd during breaks. Our entertainment lineup will include dancers, poetry, and a performing artist.

“Our panel of judges will include Mrs Worlwide Heritage 22 Phumzile Grace Ntshabele, South African veteran actor Glen Gabela and life coach Laura M.

Outside of UNO, Masia is an artist manager. However, his skills contribute immensely to UNO.

He said as much as they are hosting a beauty pageant; they recognise and give local artists a platform to showcase their talents.

The pilot project will launch at Ward 55. However, the UNO plans to include other wards over time.

As the organisation is preparing for the event, they are still approaching sponsors to help them organise prizes for the contestants.