Pageant hopeful aims to bring impactful change

IF pageantry has taught a Montclair resident anything, it would be selflessness.

Nineteen-year-old Sanda Mtetwa said if crowned Miss Teen Universe South Africa (TUSA), she would use the platform to make an impactful change in society.

“If I win, I will use the title to push initiatives that support community developments through the funding that I as a titleholder can apply for. I will also do this through the people I meet when networking,” she said.

Not one to shy away from the limelight, the former New Forest High School learner said this title would also bring her a step closer to her dreams of being in the entertainment industry.

Sanda was introduced to modelling by her mother when she was five years old to boost her self-esteem. By the time she was in Grade 11, she started taking modelling more seriously. She is currently the reigning queen of Miss Heroine South Africa.

“I started entering pageants as I didn’t just want to be a model, but I also wanted to make an impact in people’s lives. I was crowned Miss Heroine South Africa on December 11, 2021.

“As the reigning queen, I have networked with multiple entities and have even started the Progressive Child Foundation which is in the process of being launched. We will mainly do events that work on raising awareness on multiple social problems like GBV, road safety, unemployment, and mental health issues,” she said.

So why would a reigning queen want another title? “Another crown means an upgrade in the title I will hold. With the calibre of people I meet, I really aim to bridge the gap between them and those who are underprivileged. Therefore, an upgrade in crowning would really assist.”

TUSA is a pageant for teenagers promoting not just girls’ beauty, but also their business acumen. To meet the criteria, one must be able to fundraise and run social media campaigns. Prove themselves worthy to take the crown through interviews and carry themselves accordingly as a brand in public to represent TUSA.