As young as they were, they impressed with their panache when taking to a Polokwane catwalk in fancy evening gowns, high heels and eye-catching accessories on Saturday. After tough contesting for the coveted Queen of the North 2018 title, Palesa Masimene took home the striking crown both as overall winner and that of the Miss Queen of the North Teen category.
The competition, which was presented at Bolivia Lodge, reportedly secured more than 50 000 public votes by SMS in favour of the bevy of beauties and was held in two parts. The pageant for the categories 4 to 6 years, 7 to 9 years and 10 to 12 years was hosted in the morning and that for contestants in the categories 13 to 15 years and 16 to 24 years in the evening. All participants received medals and certificates for participation.
Mohludi Dithipe, who participated in the category for girls 4 to 6 years, was crowned the winner of the Public Choice position in her category as well as overall winner of the Public Choice crown with 38 806 total votes. Runner-up in the Public Choice section was Ohlotse Modise with 23 114 votes.
The other winners in the category for contestants between 4 and 6 years were Larike Pretorius for her evening wear, Pheladi Ngoasheng and Ohlotse Modise who were crowned second and first princesses respectively and Phathu Tshivhula as Little Miss Queen of the North’18
Miss Junior Queen of the North is Laella Lelahane, who also got the Public Choice sash in her category. She was followed by first and second princesses Mathapelo Kekana and Refiloe Dipela. In that category Anissa Botha received the prize for best dress.
Washu Hlabioa took the honours in the category for Miss Junior Teen for girls 10 to 12 years of age, while Kamogelo Tisane and Wilita Lee were chosen first and second princesses. Thato Moyo took the Public Choice win and Moshibudi Manyaka that of Best Dress in the category.
After some more nail-biting, the top five winners in the Miss Queen of the North Teen category were crowned. The prize for best evening wear went to Keorapetse Mashishi while Tokollo Masekoameng got it for Public Choice and emerged second princess. Refilwe Malatji is first princess.
When it got to the main category for girls 16 to 24 years, anxiety was tangible. It was Sukoluhle Sibanda who claimed first prize. She, too, ensured the most public support at a total of 1 826 votes in the category. Joe-nan Mokwena and Tshegofatso Mamabolo were crowned first and second princesses, while Charmaine Nkosi received the sash for best evening wear.
The competition was hosted by Katryn Celliers, owner of Limpopo Beauty Modelling Academy. Apart from Polokwane Observer being media sponsor of the competition, support was also received from Limpopo Toyota Polokwane, Bolivia Lodge,House of Asante Spa, Jonêl Erasmus Hair and Beauty, MSC Business college, as well as Kiley Kreations Make-Up and Photography.
Story and photos: YOLANDE NEL
>>observer.yolande@gmail.com
