Nompumelelo and Zanele to represent Soweto at this year’s Miss SA Semi-finals
Gauteng alone has 19 contenders who made it to the semi-finals, with nine from Pretoria.
We are proud to announce that two Soweto’s very own Miss South Africa contestants, Nompumelelo Maduna and Zanele Phakhathi have made it to the semi-finals vying for the title of Miss South Africa 2019.
The 24-year-old, Nompumelelo holds a B Tech Marketing Management from the University of Johannesburg and currently work at a financial institution as a private banker. Maduna ‘s was Miss Earth 2018 (1st runner-up), Miss Rivonia (1st runner-up), Miss Million Dollar (2nd runner-up), Miss Clearwater (1st runner-up), Miss Congeniality Eastgate 2015 and Miss Steeldale.
Let’s get to know Maduna a bit.
Why do you want to be Miss SA and what do you think you will be able to bring to the role?
I want to be Miss SA because I will be a beacon of hope that will inspire and empower generations to come by motivating them that any goal is attainable through hard work and determination. Being a Miss SA will give me the platform and responsibility to continue my role in making a difference through noble acts of kindness and contributing to a sustainable difference. I want to be the voice that will make an impact on our youth.
Who is a previous Miss SA who has inspired you and why?
Bokang Montjane because she entered the pageant in 2009 and during the course of the competition, she decided to go back to University to complete her studies. She entered again in 2010 and won. Bokang has her own foundation that empowers the youth of SA and contributes to the growth of various communities. She is one of the women in SA who have made a positive impact in our country and she continues to do so.
Who are your role models?
Nomzamo Mbatha is an inspiration to me as she is a true agent of change, she is currently a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador and has dedicated herself to helping refugee women and children in Africa. Also Tyra Banks because she is a successful businesswoman and super model. She has empowered many women in building their confidence and helping them pursue their dreams. I am motivated by her perseverance, her drive to achieve greatness and her determination to make other women’s dreams come true.
Tell us a bit more about your family:
I was raised by my mother after my father passed away when I was five years old. I have an older brother who recently got married and he and his wife have blessed me with a precious nephew so I am now officially an aunt.
What do you do in your spare time?
I keep fit and active by playing netball and golf. I also love spending time with my family and friends enjoying a picnic or dinner or at a games night. I am a trainer at The Model Academy where I teach upcoming models about the catwalk, confidence building and etiquette and I enjoy reading and swimming.
Miss South Africa 2019 will be crowned on Women’s Day – what does that mean to you?
To have the Miss SA crowning on such a special day means we celebrate those 20,000 women who in 1956 marched to the Union Buildings to protest against gender inequality and for the liberation of women. So this is the day those women paved the way for the 16 women who will be standing on the Miss SA stage for the 2019 pageant.
Why do you think beauty pageants are still relevant in 2019?
Beauty pageants are still relevant as they are the foundation for many women’s success stories. They open the door to opportunities, build self-confidence and equip women with the necessary skills to lead with compassion and make a significant difference.
Name two of your female role models?
Khanyi Dlomo inspires me because she built her empire at a very young age and raised the South Africa flag high internationally. With all her achievements, she still remains humble. My mother Nomthandazo Maduna has also inspired me. Her determination and hard work have shaped me to be the woman that I am today.
What is your message to young girls and young women in South Africa?
Women form the strongest forces when they work together so we need to support each other and not drag each other down.
If you won the Miss SA crown and was able to meet one person, who would it be?
I would like to meet the Minister of Education Angie Motshega – as I have a passion for education – and let her know that I would be honoured be part of the annual strategic plan for our education system.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
People will be surprised to know that I love food, and thanks to the family genes it really doesn’t add any kilograms to my body.
What is the No 1 piece of advice that you would give to your younger self?
Let go of the voice of fear that stops you from doing what you want and believe that anything is possible.
Describe yourself in three words:
Compassionate. Ambitious. Confident.
What are you reading?
Screw It Let’s Do It by Richard Branson and Otliers – The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
What music are you listening to?
John Legend, Vusi Nova, Kelly Khumalo, Amanda Black, Frank Sinatra and Hugh Masikela.
Your favourite TV show?
Top Billing
Your favourite meal?
Pap, wors and chakalaka.
Who’s your local and international celeb crush?
Local – Maps Maponyane
International – Idris Elba
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Red velvet chocolate cake.
Social media tags:
Facebook: Nompuemelelo Sweli Maduna
Instagram: MissMaduna
Twitter: Mpume26@
The 20-year-old Zanele is a first-year Business Information Technology student at the University of Johannesburg and model at Boss Models. She says that she was very active pageant princess when growing up and have won more than 70 titles, her first pageant being Little Miss Dobsonville 2011, she also won her school pageant, Miss Rand Girls 2012 and was the first ever grade 8 girls to win. One that stands out for her was Miss Preteen Queen of South Africa 2014.
Let’s get to know Zanele a bit.
Why do you want to be Miss SA?
Miss South Africa to me is a young woman who is unapologetic about herself, one who celebrates herself and is not afraid to speak boldly about what she believes in. She should possess qualities of Ubuntu, humbleness, intelligence, is relatable to anyone and can converse without fear. That is who I am and through these attributes, I want to be Miss South Africa 2019 because I am ready to let my story of defying the odds be an inspiration for my peers and younger girls. Most importantly I want to represent our rainbow nation with pride.
Who is a previous Miss SA who has inspired you?
Bokang Monjane-Tshabalala who was the winner of the very first Miss South Africa pageant I watched I admire her authenticity and she made me believe that dreams are valid.
Who are your role models?
A lot of people inspire me. More than anything it is their work ethic and the drive they have to be successful that I admire. I’ve been privileged to grow up seeing my role models achieving the goals they’ve set for themselves
Tell us a bit more about your family:
My mother is a school principal and my father is a technician at Telkom. Unfortunately, my parents separated in 2011, and I have no contact with my father as per his wishes. I stay with my mother and three sisters Nomfundo (26), a teacher by profession, Ayanda (23), who wants to pursue a career as a policewoman and Liyabona (13), who is in grade 7.
What do you do in your spare time?
Reading, charity work, going for walks, relaxing, spending time with my nephews.
Miss South Africa 2019 will be crowned on Women’s Day – what does that mean to you?
The crowning will mark 63 years since 20,000 South African women of all races staged a march on the Union Buildings in protest against the proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act of 1950, commonly referred to as the “pass laws”. As a result, I was a 20-year-old, black woman from the biggest township in South Africa have the privilege to walk freely, to dream big and can be anything I want to be if I put my mind to it. South African women today need to honour those that marched and to never settle for mediocrity and inequality and to never be silent about the things we believe in.
In what way do you think beauty pageants are still relevant today? – how would you respond to someone who says they totally aren’t?
Beauty pageants will always be relevant. It is through beauty pageants that I found my purpose. As an entrant, you are exposed to so much that puts you under pressure and through that you learn to identify your strengths and weaknesses and how to use these to overcome challenges. There are emotional and mental preparations you have to undergo to prepare yourself for this journey which is the same as any other life experience. So what better way to go through this self-empowering journey with your peers in such a setting.
Name two of your female role models?
My mother who is a strong resilient woman who has done so well in raising me and my three sisters
Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala who was Miss SA 2010 as she is unapologetic about everything she is and what she stands for. She believed in herself against all odds to achieve all the dreams she set for herself; she is authentic.
What is your message to young girls and young women in South Africa?
There will be a phase in your life where you may feel helpless and that it is all is over. That happened to me when I was in a car accident and my doctor said it is a miracle I survived. I missed a whole year of school; I couldn’t walk and I lost the hearing in one ear. For others, it may be due to debt, the pressure to achieve goals you didn’t even set for yourself, abuse, bullying or illness. Just know you are in it to overcome it. God will never give you a battle you can’t triumph over. You’re bigger than your problems, so treat them like hurdles and not an end to your dreams
If you won the Miss SA crown and was able to meet one person, who would it be?
Basetsana Khumalo. Being from the same township that is characterised by crime, poverty and teenage pregnancy, I would like her to share her life’s lessons on how she managed to not let that define her or her destiny given that she is now a well-respected businesswoman who inspires many.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I was involved in a car accident last year and unfortunately lost the hearing in my left ear.
What is the No 1 piece of advice that you would give to your younger self?
You are who you supposed to so embrace every stage of your life. The world owes you nothing so be resilient and work for what you believe in.
Describe yourself in three words:
Positive, vibrant and authentic
What are you reading?
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
What music are you listening to?
I listen to different types of music depending on how I feel but mostly Gospel because I am spiritually grounded
Your favourite TV show?
The Queen
Your favourite meal?
Amasi
Who’s your local and international celeb crush?
Local is Maps Maponyane and international is Will Smith
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate
Anything else you would like to add?
• Earned the title of Gauteng Athletics champion in primary school
• Founder of NPO Za Power House (Zanele Powerhouse)
• Thuli Madonsela Foundation Ambassador
Awards:
• SA Heroes Awards 2019 Runner Up in the category: Youth Empowerment
• Young Lead SA Top 20 Female Change Makers 2018
• Awarded Rain Maker Award 2019 by the South West Gauteng College
• Nominated Woman of Stature 2018 in the category: Youth Ambassador
Your social media tags:
Facebook: Zanele Phakathi
Instagram: @zanelephakathi
Twitter: @zazaphakathi
Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with Sun International, the LFP Group and Mousson. Gauteng alone has 19 contenders who made it to the semi-finals, with nine from Pretoria, followed by the Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal with five; the Eastern Cape and Free State with two while Limpopo and the Northern Cape each have one entrant.
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