Face to face with our very own queen

Current Miss Mpumalanga, Ntandoyenkosi Kunene, 21, hails from Ethandukukhanya in Piet Retief and she’s a top 30 finalist in the Miss South Africa beauty pageant. Following is an interview conducted with her by Sun International:

Occupation: I was a student at the University of The Witwatersrand where I was doing my fourth and final year study in teaching and majoring in business studies and music in the primary school phase. I had to put it on hold at the end of first semester when I won the prestigious Miss Mpumalanga 2013 title. I have one more semester to finish in order to qualify as a teacher.

Previous competitions: Miss Earth South Africa finalist 2012; Miss Mamelodi Sundowns Gauteng 2012 where I was placed in the top seven and Miss Mpumalanga 2013.

Why do you want to be Miss South Africa and what do you think you add to the title: Being Miss South Africa has been a lifelong dream but besides that I’m am truly passionate about the development of the youth of this country, mainly young women, girls and children. I want to motivate, inspire and positively influence them.

I have a passion for education and realise the importance of foundation and primary school teaching, which has greatly motivated me to want to have my own school that caters for disadvantaged children from preschool to grade seven. Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”

Which previous Miss South Africa that has inspired you and why? In 1997, at the tender age of five, Kerishnie Naicker won Miss South Africa. I don’t really know what happened within me but the dream of one day being Miss South Africa came alive and I told myself that I would do it. Her smile and grace truly did something to me that I cannot explain.

Who are your role models? My mother has been my greatest inspiration. She has been a true example of a go-getter and that no problem is unconquerable in this life. I also draw my inspiration from everyday experiences from the people I work with and meet.

Tell us a bit more about your family? I come from a fun-loving family where I live with all my siblings. I am also fortunate to live with both my parents. I have four sisters and a brother. We all live together and the greatest blessing is a grandson and nephew, Te Amo, who is a year old. My family is my greatest support system and my pillar of strength.

What do you do in your spare time? My hobbies include singing, netball, watching TV and reading magazines.

What does South Africa celebrating 20 years of democracy mean to you? Everything and anything is possible in this country!

If you won Miss South Africa and you could meet one person who would it be and why? Our First Lady, Makhumalo mam Sizakele. I would really love to know how she keeps going in life when her husband is being scrutinised by the country. What motivates her? I truly believe many women in the country relate to her.

What are you reading? Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer. I love reading books from which I can grow. My Bible is also my greatest read.

What music do you listen to? Big Nuz, The Soil, Joyous Celebrations, Mi Casa, Drake, Shania Twain. I love good music, from house and kwaito to pop and maskandi.

Your favourite TV show? Vaya Mzansi on SABC1, Keeping up with the Kardashians,

Dream School on Mzansi Magic, V-entertainment, Generations and Say Yes to the Dress.

Your favourite meal? Pap and eggs, spaghetti and mince.

Having lost my grandparents from both sides at a young age has made me value the elderly very much because in them I see my own grandparents that I never grew to remember.