3 beauties crowned at Miss Turffontein pageant

Since its founding in 2022, Miss Turffontein hosted its second annual pageant competition where they crowned four beauties representing the south of Johannesburg.

Khensani Nxumalo (19) from Turffontein, graduating in multimedia and graphic design, was crowned Miss Turffontein 2023.

“My focus is mostly on mental health because of the increase in people suffering from depression and anxiety. It is not only an issue of the heart but also of the mind,” explained Khensani.

She aims to bring more awareness about mental health to the young and old in the community, emphasising the importance of the mental well-being of the community.

Having started her pageant journey in 2018, entering Miss Turffontein was her way of giving herself more confidence as she always lacked confidence. It was also her way of uplifting other young girls who struggle with insecurities.

“The pageants impacted my life greatly. It allowed me to go back to school and helped me walk with my head held high, knowing I could achieve anything I put my mind to. Being a part of the pageant was a great feeling. It made me very happy,” expressed the pageant winner.

Khensani is working on a project called A Free Space, which will allow people to gather without any technological devices to share how they truly feel and find solutions to the problems they are facing.

She also hopes this project will bring emotional support to those who need it.

“Winning Miss Turffontein was unexpected, but I am glad because I had people supporting me making it a win in every way,” said Khensani.

Ntombi Jawuma (17) from Forest Hill, with a passion for dancing, was crowned Miss Teen 2023 at the pageant. She attends school at Sir John Adamson High School and describes herself as a bubbly and loving person who enjoys meeting new faces.

Ntombi is a lover of music and enjoys listening to Bob Marley. She highlights he is her favourite artist. “I live by a quote by Bob Marley that says ‘Don’t gain the world and lose your soul. Wisdom is better than silver and gold’.

“The reason I live by this quote is because I have realised many young girls lack confidence and we look down upon ourselves. The quote encourages me to believe in myself and have confidence,” explained Miss Teen 2023.
She joined the Miss Turffontein pageant to grow her knowledge about pageantry and explore her modelling talent.

“The pageant has helped my confidence and has given me the courage to accomplish my goals,” said Ntombi.
She hopes to gain more confidence on her journey and to impact other young girls her age, with the support of her family and friends. Her mission with her title is to encourage self-awareness in the youth of her community by offering guidance and support.

“I feel happy winning the title of Miss Teen and seeing the joy on my parents’ faces.”

Orabile Nkabinde (13) from Kibler Park, who is ready for her first year in high school, started doing pageants at the age of three. She took the title of Miss Pre-Teen.

Her love for modelling comes from the joy she feels being around the company of girls in her competing age category, as it helps her develop more confidence.

“I entered Miss Turffontein because it involves working with the community. I love charity and giving back to the community with love, respect and humanity,” said Orabile.

Her participation in the pageant has helped her realise she has good communication skills. It has helped her gain confidence and overcome her fear of being on stage.

To fulfil her mission as the title holder Orabile wants to encourage young girls and continue serving her community.

Orabile’s mother, Cornelia Nkabinde said, “To see my daughter follow in my footsteps is great and makes me feel proud as a pageant mom. I was happy when she was crowned so she could add to her many titles for her hard work and dedication. I love supporting her, seeing her grow and I look forward to her future in pageantry.”

Tiana van Rensburg took the title of Miss Tiny Turffontein 2023.