Doon Heights teacher makes her mark in international pageant
It was indeed a blessing and dream come true for the young woman, who described the entire experience as nothing short of remarkable.
Doon Heights Primary School teacher and Miss United Nations SA, 25-year-old Smangele Jili was the first runner up in the Miss United Nations International pageant and was crowned Miss Charity International in India, recently.
It was indeed a blessing and dream come true for the young woman, who described the entire experience as nothing short of remarkable. Visiting India, was a memory that she will hold forever as it was her first international trip and building relationships with the other contestants.
ALSO READ: Doon Heights teacher ready to jet off to international pageant
While it was out of her comfort zone, Smangele explained that the other contents became her second family during the pageant. They would hold hands and pray before every challenge and she soon burst out of her comfort zone.
Speaking to the SUN, the bubbly individual said, “This experience has made me so proud of myself and it made me feel so pretty. All of the women and men who were part of the pageant made me feel so comfortable and I connected with each one of them. Travelling alone was the most memorable part of the trip. It made me feel so independent. I have always wanted to travel but I never dreamed that it come true so soon. The competition itself, did not feel like a competition, I made bonds and enjoyed my time there. I had the best time of my life and that is the greatest gift.”
When asked where to from here, the young woman explained that being a title holder has come to a point where giving is more important than winning a prize.
ALSO READ: Multi-skilled young beauty makes her mark in pageant world
“I have now experienced a different approach of defining success. However, it’s over for 2019. And I’m looking forward to 2020 In terms of developing new skills motivated by new opportunities approaching as well as prepare for my next National and international Pageant. As well as assisting with the search for my successor. It’s going to be quite a busy year. Either way I’m excited about it. Of cause will be doing lots of charity work, be an ambassador for different organisations and engage in projects, especially at Indwe Africa, an organisation located at Illovo that I had been visiting, they are doing such an amazing job for our children and I fully support them,” she added.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
To receive our free newsletter click here
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
