Meet Mpumalanga’s only finalist in the semis of Miss SA 2015

Busi Mahlangu, originally from Kwa-Mhlanga is Mpumalanga’s representative in the 2015 Miss South Africa pageant. Here follows an interview with her:

Name: Busi Mahlangu
Region: Kwa-Mhlanga Kwa-Ndebele, Mpumalanga
Age: 23
Occupation: I am an economics student at the University of South Africa doing my 3rd year. I always wanted to
see a dramatic change in my country and economic development is one of the prominent factors that determine the well-being of a country. For me to be in that field meant accomplishing my goal of giving back to my country through my career.
Previous beauty competitions/pageants won? Miss Spring Edendale 2007.
Why do you want to be Miss SA and what do you think you will be able to bring to the role? Women and youth empowerment has always been a topic close to my heart. I have so much faith in the influential role of women in society and the nation at large. Research has shown that women have the primary role of bringing up children in our society and with the necessary resources we as women can help break the cycle of poverty. I would like to be the agent of change to help uplift the overall life of women in society which can be achieved through the Miss South Africa brand.
Who is a previous Miss SA who has inspired you and why? Basetsana Kumalo inspires me because she has shown that she was not limited in her endeavours by winning Miss South Africa, showing people that this breakthrough did not define her life. She has continually been successful since her crowning and has built an empire through the platform of being a Miss South Africa. That’s my goal.
Who are your role models/who has inspired you and why? Gill Marcus. Nothing inspires me more than a powerful yet humble leader and woman.
Tell us a bit more about your family? My mother works for a direct selling company called Table Charm, my dad is a principal at a local school in Mpumalanga. I am the eldest of four, my brother is in matric and my twin sisters are still in primary school.
What do you do in your spare time? I like watching the news, reading informative books or just being with friends and family.
What is your message to young girls and young women in South Africa? You are not born to merely get by. Find your call, give back through that call and leave an incorruptible footprint. The biggest tragedy is not death but a life without purpose.
If you won the Miss SA crown and were able to meet one person, who would it be and why? Gill Marcus and Thuli Madonsela. They are both powerhouses and are women in the frontlines. They have broken the confines of the role of women in South Africa as they occupy positions which were previously held by men. They have so much power and influence yet they maintain their meekness. I absolutely commend and look up to that.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I’m an adventure junkie.
What are you reading? I always read a book which relates to my current circumstances in order to get insight. A friend gave me a handbook on modelling and pageants by former Miss South Africa, Cindy Nell. I am also reading a book on the character of a leader by Myles Munroe.
What is on your iPod? The new Hillsong and Tamar Braxton.
Your favourite TV show? The news and Top Billing.
Your favourite meal? Anything with chicken.
Anything else you would like to add? I am honoured to be part of the semi-finalists. I can’t wait to continue doing what I know I was born to do, which is to be a humanitarian and a woman activist. It’s great to know that there are people that have faith in you, Thank you Sun International and the Miss South Africa committee for the opportunity.