Leggy Palesa Sukazi stood tall and proud after she was announced as the winner of the second edition of the annual Face of Alex Mall 2021 beauty pageant on 24 April.
The East Bank High School Grade 10 learner was one of 10 contestants who were battling it out for the top honour of being ultimately crowned Ambassador of the Alex Mall, on a journey that started with a WhatsApp text to join the competition.
Palesa was flanked by the first princess, Thando Motha, and second princess, Bongeka Ludonga, as she was crowned Face of Alex Mall by Mrs. Commonwealth SA 2019 winner Fortunate Twala, who was a judge of the Alex Mall pageant.
“I thank my family for the fuel they pumped into me to keep pushing,” said Palesa. “ I have always wanted the best out of myself and I want to be a great example for the youth in my community; I want to inspire them and make them believe that anything is possible through hard work.
“The thought of winning never crossed my mind but I had to remain calm and show some confidence. I knew that even if I lose I had already made some impact on the lives of people who look up to me as young as I am.”
It has been a dream come true for Palesa, who said after watching Zozibini Tunzi being crowned 2019 Miss Universe, that was what inspired her dreams to believe that she too can also one day make people cheer her name.
The 17-year-old from River Park told Alex News that when she completes here matric she hopes to enter the Miss South Africa pageant competition. “I like playing rugby and also love to sing, but being a model and becoming Miss South Africa one day is my dream.”
Her mother, Duduzile Sukazi, who works as a credit controller at the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) showed great support for her daughter throughout the competition as she screamed with excitement whenever her daughter’s name was mentioned and when she has finally crowned the Face of Alex Mall 2021.
As the ambassador of the mall, Palesa is expected to closely work with various people and represent not just the mall but also the community of Alexandra. “I hope to do my duties on time and for the people of Alex to support me so that I may lead by example and be a great ambassador,” she concluded.
