Limpopo plus-size queen proud of her crown
21-year-old Mpho Gift Matodzi said she entered the competition to show plus-size women are beautiful
LIMPOPO – The 21-year-old Mpho Gift Matodzi was crowned Miss Venda Plus Size 2019/20 during a plus-sized beauty pageant held on 27 December at the Thohoyandou Indoor Sports Centre.
Mpho, who hails from Makonde village, said she feels ecstatic after winning.
“I am happy to be the face of Miss Venda Plus Size. It’s exciting and super amazing”.
Mpho, a media student at the University of Venda, was also crowned Miss Venda Plus Size Public Choice.
She related her reason behind entering.
“When growing, many girls experience body shaming and it is for this reason that I decided to participate.
“I felt it is time that people stop their comments on social media and stop body-shaming others.”
She said it is high time that the stereotype of a woman having to be slim to be pretty, be addressed.
“Plus-size women are beautiful and have various talents. I believe women should not be boxed in.”
Entering the competition would surely change one’s mind around the topic, she told CV.
Ungedzani Begwa was announced as first princess, Thikho Khakhu as second princess, Thendo Daniella Nemudzivhadi was Miss Enterpreneur, Gundo Mugaga as Miss Personality, and Elelwani Mpho Mphego as Miss Ambassador.
The pageant was first held in 2017, to give exposure to plus-size models and improve their self-esteem and confidence.
Said the founder of the pageant Nadney Mulaudzi: “We want to empower, encourage and give plus-size women the opportunity to showcase their beauty. We believe that size has nothing to do with beauty and that everyone is beautiful”.
