As a young girl with an eye condition, Celiwe Mdlethe found it hard to express herself.
Now at age 23, Celiwe wants to make a name for herself in modelling and has advanced to the semi-finals of the Miss Cosmos South Africa 2022 pageant.
“I remember back in high school, I experienced a lot of bullying because of my crossed eyes. One of the reasons I entered this pageant is because I wanted to see what people focus on when they look at me – do they focus on me or my eyes?”
Celiwe has encouraged anyone living with a similar eye condition to work towards their dreams and know their worth, because she believes people will never stop talking anyway.
“Entering the pageant has also encouraged me and made me more confident with myself.”
Celiwe admitted she had no plans to enter Miss Cosmos and only decided to take her chances after seeing a poster advertising the pageant.
“I knew I wanted to try something new in modelling and I said ‘why not?’ I just wanted to see what was going to be the outcome and to my surprise, I was selected amongst other woman in all nine provinces.”
Celiwe is representing KwaZulu-Natal in the pageant – she was born and bred in the eMondlo area of Vryheid before moving to Pretoria later in life.
She said growing up eMondlo was fun.
Celiwe’s modelling career began in 2014, when she would showcase her talent in school events and at any local events where entertainment was featured.
She has entered a few pageants such as Miss Incredible in Gauteng, where she was first princess, and Miss Mondlo in 2018 where she was crowned queen.
Celiwe has also entered Miss Mothotlung in the North West and Miss Art and Culture in the Free State, where she is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Her portfolio also includes fashion modelling on the runway.
Speaking about the Miss Cosmos pageant, Celiwe said emphasis was placed on fundraising and charity work.
Her beneficiary is CHOC (the Childhood Cancer Foundation SA).
To vote for Celiwe Mdletshe, visit www.facebook.com/andimelo.royalty.queen or www.facebook.com/101351541799356/posts/419086003359240/.
Residents can also follow Celiwe on Instagram @boity_model_rsa and @black_crown_rsa for her charity work.
ALSO READ:Raising funds through a local beauty pageant
Make sure you follow us on our social media platforms for regular updates
