26 Miss South Africa semi-finalists unveiled

26 Miss South Africa semi-finalists who are gunning for the title of Miss South Africa 2017 have been revealed last week Thursday at Maslow Hotel.

14 of the finalists come from Gauteng and of those two come from Soweto including Diepkloof and Dobsonville.

The Diepkloof Finalist

Growing up as a tomboy, Nompumelelo Mampholo (20) from Diepkloof is a shareholder in Conquerors event management company by day and enjoys giving back to the community in her spare time.

Mampholo was inspired to enter Miss South Africa by Rolene Strauss because she has a presence and has motivated her to believe that we are all destined for greatness in whatever we do especially if we work to realize our dreams.

The previous pageants she has entered include Miss South Africa Youth 2015 and Miss Tourism Universe South Africa to name a few.

“I have entered Miss South African because this is a platform for one to build a legacy and I’m here to build mine.

“Not only is it a dream and passion to be an ambassador of this nation but Miss South Africa is a life changing opportunity.

“Winning a million rand will enable me to go back to school and complete my studies as I am very passionate about sports and working with people.

“My reason for entering is to change lives through sports and that’s the role I’m bringing to the table,” said Mampholo.

According to Nompumelelo:

“Miss South Africa should be a woman of substance who has the courage to overcome tough times in her life and pursue her goals because she stands up for what she believes in; possess leadership qualities by having a selfless heart and always be willing to reach out and lend a helping hand.

“She should leave a legacy by contributing beyond herself and take part in activities connected with making the world a better place to live in.

“As Mahatma Ghandi said; be the change you want to see in the world,” said Mampholo.

The second finalist from Soweto is Tshegofatso Monggae (23) from Dobsonvile who is a marketing intern at Africa Fashion International.

She wants to be Miss S.A 2017 because it has always been her childhood dream and she has always had a keen interest in social development initiatives

Her modeling career has been inspired by Bokang Montjane who has gone on to open her own foundation as well as run the television program Zaziwa.

The key character that Monggae admires about Montjane is that she inspires young woman to believe that they can do anything.

“What people don’t know about me is that I can be quite the comedian around friends and family and I spend time with my family, read books and listen to music in my spare time,” said Monggae.

Monggae has competed in Miss Princess High School in 2010 (winner), Miss Roodepoort 2012 (winner) and Miss Mamelodi Sundowns 2015 (winner).

“South Africa has developed immensely and young people are exposed to a lot of opportunities all they just need to do is to go out there and grab those opportunities.

“My role model would be our public protector Thuli Madonsela.

“I feel that Miss South Africa must have humility and compassion.