Natasha is the reigning queen, period!

NELSPRUIT – KaNyamazane lass, Natasha Do Santos was chosen as the Crowning Miss Mpumalanga 2014 queen on Saturday evening at Emnotweni Arena during a glittering five-star event that was an exclusively black-tie, sold-out event.

She won the latest brand-new VW Polo, courtesy of the Mpumalanga Gambling Board, which she will represent as its ambassador for responsible gambling, among all communities of the province. She also received a whopping R20 000 cash from organisers, Mzimari Productions, a Fossil watch, an Apple iPad, a bursary from the Offce of the Premier, a set of AMC luxury cookware worth R25 000 from Asikhulumeni Marketing and Communications company, a Samsung Galaxy S4, a clothing voucher from local designer, Lavish Online, worth R10 000.She also won a camera and Samsung house appliances to the value of R100 000, a fully furnished house for her reign with all expenses paid, including a trip to Cape Town with her mother.

The runners-up were first princess, Nomcebo Vilakazi of Middelburg who won R10 000 cash, AMC luxury cookware, a Fossil watch, Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy S4 phone and a holiday for two. Second princess, another KaNyamazane lass, Cassandra Steingo won R5 000 cash, a Fossil watch, Apple iPad, AMC pots, Samsung Galaxy S4 phone, and a holiday for two. All the other contestants received goodies from Mzimari Productions worth more than R2 000 each.

Natasha was a shining star and immediately became the audience’s angel every each time she strutted the catwalk, with her beautiful, beaming smile – they just marvelled at her. At the same time, she melted her way into the judges’ hearts and favour – they had already conducted pre-judging of the 12 finalists last Thursday.

She actually topped the rest through the various routines which included introductions, fashion show, swimwear, evening wear and the various interviews they’d all undergone since November last year.

Speaking to this newspaper, she said, “It’s really unbelievable and seems like a dream. It’s been

a tough battle though, but I’m ready to work tirelessly to change the lives of the underprivileged in our province. I am also ready to take over as the ambassador of the Zazi – Know your Strength HIV/Aids campaign which has been left by my predecessor, Ntandoyenkosi Kunene. I will enhance the fight against this pandemic with girls and will also involve parents, throughout all the local municipalities.

“I’m ready to work tirelessly with my principal sponsors, MGB. I’m from a humble background and can better relate with all communities. I’m waiting with bated breath, to hit the road soonest,” she said.

Another highlight of this prestigious event, was a live performance by SA Idols winner, Musa Sukwena and his runner-up, Brenden Ledwaba who had the capacity-filled venue’s patrons screaming as they enjoyed their performances by singing along and dancing, too.

Hosts for the evening, renowned TV and radio personality, Bonang “Queen B” Matheba and Rise FM’s Celani Dube, were an incredible combination, who jelled well although meeting for the first time on stage. They did a sterling job.

Mzimari Productions’ CEO, Ms Gugu Nyarenda said, “We did it once again as Mzimari by staging a classy event which was exclusively a black tie affair, and the people responded positively. The show was superb and the entertainment top-notch.

“I must warn audiences though, that next time Mzimari hosts an event, buy tickets early to avoid disappointment as it happened last weekend that some decided too late. We’ve set the required standards in entertainment, so people grapple for tickets.

“Unfortunately as you saw on Saturday, it was a sold-out affair, next time you see a Mzimari event, buy your tickets early because we do not advertise or market what we will never deliver. We will never deceive audiences.”

MGB’s CEO, Mr Bheki Mlambo said, “I bid you a warm welcome this evening and extend the appreciation of the Mpumalanga Gambling Board, for the excellent support you have provided to the crowning Miss Mpumalanga event since its inception in 2011. Four years later, the values of the brand, as well as those of the MGB are almost inseparable.

“When the MGB seized the opportunity presented by this venture in 2011, we were not sure exactly how much support and spin-offs we would generate. Therefore, it gives us a great sense of pride to see this very impressive initiative growing into a widely supported event. We have utilised this opportunity to reinforce the Brand MGB, especially to the young people of the province.

“I must state that our relationship with the Crowning Miss Mpumalanga brand, is one of our most important and valued relationships. It has given us the right platform to tackle issues of gambling as they relate to young people. Through this venture, we are able to initiate our public awareness drives to promote and encourage responsible gambling to the citizens of the province, utilising the ambassadorial status of the crowned queen as the anchor point.

“Through this partnership, we have taken our awareness programmes to schools, to dissuade youth from gambling, which is usually unregulated, such as betting on card games, dice, Internet gambling, illegal slot machines and so on. Our provincial government’s unwavering support of this venture demonstrates its resolve to tackle social challenges facing our communities, such as HIV/Aids, substance abuse, irresponsible gambling. To this end, we wish to express our sincere gratitude to the premier, Mr David Mabuza. Furthermore, the support of this venture from the people of the province is recognition that our efforts have not gone unnoticed.

“I’d like to acknowledge the great contribution of the ‘dreamer’ behind this venture, Ms Gugu Nyarenda, for affording us this great opportunity. This has provided Mpumalanga with exceptional young role models. I’d also like to express my sincere gratitude to the outgoing Miss Mpumalanga 2013, Ntandoyenkosi Kunene – an awesome ambassador indeed.

“I wish her well in all her future endeavours. On behalf of my board, let me once again express my appreciation to you for supporting the Miss Mpumalanga 2014 event. To other sponsors, media partners, judges and all other stakeholders, I trust that all your aims and aspirations for this event will be met.

“Finally, to the 12 contestants vying for the crown, I wish to congratulate each one of you for making it thus far. You are all worthy of the coveted crown, I wish you all the very best.”