Models gear up to compete for Miss and Miss Teen eKasi
The manager of the pageant said the aim of the event is to keep the youth off the streets and to showcase local talent.
Locals models are gearing up for the 2022 Miss and Miss Teen eKasi Beauty Pageant at Embalenhle Sasol Club’s dining hall on Saturday August 6.
It begins at 15:00 and tickets cost R130 (general) and R200 (VIP).
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A celebration of that rare combination of beauty, grace and self-motivation, the eKasi pageant has been a beloved contest in this vibrant Embalenhle community since 2016. It was founded by Thando Kobese, but Lerato Nogabe now runs the show.
“The eKasi pageant was established in order to get young people out of trouble, because in our area, there’s always an issue of young people falling into the wrong things just like in any other place. Our issue has been always substance abuse and teenage pregnancy.
“I continued with Miss eKasi, because I saw a great opportunity to teach young people from my community and other communities as well that the key to everything is authenticity, because that is where it begins, where people accept themselves and where they come from, and love themselves for who they are despite their challenges or mistakes,” she said.
Nogabe has changed so many rules in the pageant to make it different from others, and she has decided to allow people who have tattoos and piercings, and people who have children to enter Miss eKasi, because she believes that people’s life choices should not stand in their way of reaching their dreams.
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Speaking of the pageant, one of the finalists, Tshire Monaila, said the pageant plays a big role in the lives of young people.
“The Miss eKasi pageant has helped me to grow my confidence, and showed me how to work with different brands. The most important thing I’ve learnt is that I shouldn’t live up to people’s expectations – I should be me and embrace myself the way I am,” she said.
Nonhlanhla Shabangu said the pageant helped her to boost her confidence.
“The Miss eKasi pageant has helped me a lot as an individual. It did not just boost my confidence, but it dealt with so many different parts of my personal life, like self-development and self-improvement, and I got to discover new things out my comfort zone. It has paved a way and gave me opportunities that I am very willing to use.”
