Mr and Miss Ward 55 are crowned

The first instalment of the Mr and Miss Ward 55 (MMW55) event was a success, following the crowning of the winners at Lethukuthula Primary School on September 30.

This beauty pageant, arranged by the Umuntu Naye Organization (UNO) and the Ward 55 Committee, was divided into gender and age.

Ayanda Mathebula (16) and Nondumiso Ndwandwe (19) are the queens of the MMW55.

The runners-up in under 16 are first princess Thando Tshabalala and second princess Minenhle Sibaya, and under 23 first princess Kelly Makhabela and second princes Tshepang Moreko.

Khanyisa Ntando Qhimebi (16) is the King of MMW55, followed by runner-up first prince Clinton Yende and second prince Neo Nhlapo.

The 60 contestants had to impress guest judges, including professional and personal development, mental health coach and inspirational speaker Laura Makhafola known as LauraM, Miss Worldwide Heritage Phumzile Ntshabele, TV and film actor Innocent Mokoena, actor and producer Sabelo Makhubo.

According to LauraM, they based the criteria on poise, smile, confidence and movement technique.

“From what we have seen, we were very impressed. The talent is there, it is a raw talent which needs refinement, but talent is there,” said LauraM.

Mathebula said taking the centre was exciting and scary, but she told herself that she could do it.

“When I stepped out I had a breakdown, but I motivated myself to get out there and make the audience and judges happy. I eventually went on stage and did my best,” said Mathebula.

What made her heart skip a beat was when she stayed behind when the top 10 was called. She thought she was disqualified.

She said when they were about to announce the queen, she ruled herself out, citing that her competitors were also good.

“Winning feels amazing, let alone making it to the top five. In my head, even if my journey ended in the top five, it would have been enough for me because I pushed myself. I could enter the competition many people wanted to but they could not,” she said.

The newly crowned MMW55 U16 said her next role is to be an advocate for change in the community.

“I want to highlight the great things about my community. I have a dream of a community that is crime-free. I dream of a community with a high employment rate instead of a high unemployment rate.”

Ndwandwe said she wanted to give up in the middle of the competition, but people supported and encouraged her to continue, and she made it.

“I honestly cannot explain how I feel. I want to thank God and the people who supported me throughout,” she said.

“From now on, I would like to go into communities and let young girls know they can be a part of this. Beauty pageants keep the youth away from drugs, teenage pregnancy and substance abuse.”

Qhimebi said winning came with a lot of practice and patience.

He said in the beginning, while preparing for the event, he had to endure bullying as friends referred to him as a ‘girl’ when he practised the gorilla walk.

“I always told myself I would not allow their energy to affect me. When I took to the stage, I did the gorilla walk and I could see that it impressed the judges,” said Qhimebi.

He encouraged other male models to participate in the beauty pageant.

“Do not listen to anyone who wants to drag you down. When you are passionate and love something, do not hesitate. Go for it.”

Speaking of bullying, LauraM altered that she focuses on the boy children who are being neglected.

She said bullying happens more often and society overlooks it because it taught them men must be strong and be man enough when they say they have been bullied or cry.

“That is why there are more bullies, because remember, hurt people hurt others. Somebody who is bullied will bully someone else because he has felt the pain and wants to release it on someone with lesser power,” she said.

She encouraged male models to participate in the MMW55 despite the bullying.

“You only live once and your life can never be replaced by someone else. Do what you want and forget about people who are bullying you.

“Through entering pageants like this, you can be the voice of those who are being bullied,” he concluded.

Reacting to the success of the event, UNO chairperson Thabiso Mngomezulu thanked the families of the contenders for their support.

He said it is sad that we crowned a child in the absence of their parents or family members.

“We could gather and unite a lot of families. We are most grateful for mothers and fathers who showed up to support their children.”

He said they have created this platform because they want them to stay away from bad influences and for them to love and respect themselves.

Boys top eight:

• Khanyisa Ntando Qhimebi (King).

• Clinton Yende (first prince).

• Neo Nhlapo (second prince).

• Kamohelo Thabethe.

• Kgotso Motapane.

• Thabang Nkosi.

• Banele Maseko.

• Vuyolwethu Mhlongo.

Under 16 girls top five:

• Ayanda Mathebula (queen).

• Thando Tshabalala (first princess).

• Minenhle Sibaya (second princess).

• Azania Ntuli.

• Mbali Ndlovu.

Under 17 top five:

• Nondumiso Ndwadwe (queen).

• Kelly Makhubela (first princess).

• Tshepang Moreko (second princess).

• Tshepiso Nhlapo.

• Irene Mkhize.