Miss Soweto 2016 finalists named

The stage is set for the most prestigious beauty pageant in the province if not in the whole country. The Miss Soweto 2016 finals sponsored by White Star Maze Meal are set to mesmerise Sowetans on December 3 at the Soweto Theatre.

20 of the most beautiful and intelligent girls from across Soweto have made the cut to compete for the title of queen of the most famous township in the world.

They were selected during the semi-finals held at Maponya Mall early this month. Judges had a tough time selecting from more than a hundred girls who got a chance to strut their stuff on the runway during a two-part audition series.

“The entries for this year’s Miss Soweto Pageant were of the highest standard, making the competition and the judge’s decision very hard.

“However, I am confident that they have indeed chosen the perfect top 20 to represent Soweto, and to ultimately walk away with this year’s crown,” said White Star marketing manager, Mokhele Makhothi.

Pageant organiser Colin Sithole shared the same sentiment about the standard being on another level this year.

 “This year has proven that the pageant is growing every year. We even had girls from the East and the West Rand coming to the auditions. We thank White Star and the PR team for the great work they have done,” said Sithole.

Leading up to the finals, the 20 finalists will go through an intense period of coaching, rehearsals, public appearances and judging which is aimed at preparing them for the big stage.

From Diepkloof to Dobsonville, almost every hood in Soweto is represented in the top 20 finalists for this year’s Miss Soweto competition.

In its 39^th edition this year, the pageant continues to prioritise women empowerment and development.

Makhothi said, “Not only will these 20 finalists receive mentorship and guidance in the coming weeks, they will also learn skills that will last them a lifetime. White Star has enjoyed every step of 2016’s road to Miss Soweto thus far and we can’t wait to see what December 3 will bring.”

The names of the 20 selected finalists are:

• Nthabiseng Kgasi from Protea Glen
• Masego Ncgobo from Meadowlands
• Maphefo Lehlomela from Protea Glen
• Busisiwe Mmotla from Emdeni
• Busisiwe Motha from Orlando East
• Thandeka Maduna from Diepkloof
• Phumzile Nyembe from Diepkloof
• Sizakele Mokoto from Dobsonville
• Andrea Fox from Meadowlands
• Tsholofelo Ramodesha from Klipspruit
• Reitumetse Banda from Protea North
• Mamello Pale from Jabulani
• Noxolo Hlatshwayo  from Braamfischer
• Sharmaine Aphane from Diepkloof
• Lebogang Moleleki from Diepkloof
• Karabo Masedi from Jabulani
• Nokukhanya Kunene from Emndeni
• Lerato Cindi from Zola
• Pearl Mocwiri from Mapetla
• Kamogelo Kodisang from Meadowlands