Township girl now a Miss SA finalist
Akile Khoza is a finalist in the Miss South Africa 2018 pageant. The announcement was made last Thursday.
The masters student in neuroscience said she is excited to be one of the women chosen to be part of this journey of self-discovery. Let’s get to know her.
Tell us about yourself
I am the youngest of three children. My mother is an educational technologist specialist and my father is a police officer. I attended school at Merensky High School and after completing my matric I started studying neuroscience at the University of Stellenbosch.
Why did you enter the pageant?
It has always been my dream to be in Miss South Africa from a young age. I’ve always wanted to put my township on the map and to be a beacon of hope to the girls in my community.
Do you think you have what it takes to take over as the next queen, and what will you bring to the table?
I want to be a vessel of hope and a symbol of beauty that transcends deeper than the physical. I will bring qualities of a woman who is relatable, kind, hard-working and passionate about serving her community and country.
What qualities do you believe a Miss South Africa should possess?
She should have a serving heart, be relatable, loving, generous and passionate about empowering other women and girls.
She should be kind loving to those around her. This person should also be humble and gentle in everything she does. She should have a teachable spirit and strive to always do well.
Which previous Miss South Africa has inspired you and why?
Rolene Strauss. She is very compassionate and is the definition of beauty that comes from within. She is true in everything she does, graceful, confident, gentle and proudly South African. She embodies qualities of a woman full of greatness and such a woman I aspire to be.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love being active. I keep fit by playing netball and basketball.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I am extremely tall (1,85 metres to be exact) but surprisingly I am not a fan of heights. Although, this is a challenge I am fighting to overcome by hiking and jogging up Table Mountain.
What is your message to young girls and young women in South Africa?
Everything is possible for the one who believes. This means that whatever young girls and young women believe in, whatever they put their minds and hearts to, is possible. They should go out, work hard and chase their dreams and never give up.
Catch the spectacular event that will broadcast live on M-Net on Sunday May 27 from Time Square’s Sun Arena in Tshwane.
