Manci wants to be Mrs Universe

Manci started taking part in pageants at the age of ten. Later on, she decided to rather focus on her studies letting go of her dreams of achieving as a model. In February this year, she decided to revisit her dream and entered the Mrs Universe Africa 2024 pageant.

She says she was attracted to the Mrs Universe pageant because is more than a pageant only, it is a female empowerment movement aimed at showcasing the virtue of African women, their spirit of ubuntu, and their ability to connect to their communities. “I always had a desire to make a positive impact not just in my community, but in the world.

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“Through my foundation, Living Light, I get to advocate for children that do not have role models.” She has been visiting schools to encourage and motivate learners not to get discouraged. “Of course, learners have a crisis of confidence which is often caused by their perceived ‘lack’ of something that many of their peers have, and that is why, as the Living Light Foundation, we have partnered with PEP South Africa to donate school uniforms to disadvantaged learners.

“In my parents’ community, poverty is rife and I noticed children going to school barefooted; that is when I started this foundation that through it, I will be able to make a difference in the lives of children,” she adds.

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Manci is also an entrepreneur with her own clothing line, Dukulazi Designs, which she started in honour of her late grandmother, Topisa Nwa-Dukulazi. Dukulazi Designs celebrates heritage and culture through its designs. Call Manci at 081 089 6420. Follow Manci on Instagram @ Akani_Manci Dukulazi_ Designs, and Facebook @ Marylene Akani Manci Dukulazi_ Designs.