Senior citizens take part in beauty pageantry in Protea
The elderlies participated in three categories which were beauty contest wearing cultural outfits, modelling and general dancing.
Joe Gqabi Development Centre hosted a senior citizen beauty pageant in order to embrace and promote positive self-esteem among older people on June 14 at Protea Glen.
According to the centre manager, Linda Mngabi, the pageant was meant to provide the elderly with a reason to live as well as an opportunity to enjoy themselves.
“The issue for us is just to increase confident for senior citizens and also show them that they have a purpose to live for and enjoy life to the fullest regardless of their age.
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“This is because in most cases when they attend at the centre they just sit around and wait for the bell to ring so that they can go home since they tend to get bored, so that’s why we did this pageant,’’ said Mngabi.
Mrs eSoweto 2023/24, Sharleen Jones, served as the coach, instructing the elderly, she played an instrumental role in bringing out the best in each competitor.
Jones said, “It was so amazing working with the elderlies, I was so touched by their presence.
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“They’ve got so much drive, they are so energetic and that’s why we decided to do this pageant for them and I see it is a huge success and I am so happy and proud that I got a chance to coach and train them.”
Joe Gqabi title holder, Lindiwe Ngubeni said due to her extreme shyness, she never imagined winning the pageant.
“Because I’m nervous and have trouble making eye contact with others, I was really scared throughout the pageant.
“However, I’m glad for the chance, for winning, and for the journey which has boosted my self-esteem,’’ said Ngubeni.
