This year, Mr and Miss Alexandra and Sipho Sethu Arts Projects (SSAP) hosted stellar pageants that saw budding models glide across the stage with eyes full of hope and purpose.
While crowned models are often celebrated, people very seldom celebrate the people who pull the strings to make such prestigious events possible. One such person is Nomsa Motha, the founder and CEO of SSAP.

Stories about most Alex models cannot be told without mentioning Motha’s mentorship, yet hers is a story never adequately told. She said her journey into leadership began in 2018, when she took the reins as Miss Alexandra – one of the organisations she now leads as CEO. “At the time, I saw how many young people in our community were in need of mentorship, guidance, and opportunities to develop their skills.”

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She emphasised that the need for mentors was especially necessary, as some young people were engaging in negative and potentially harmful behaviours. “As Miss Alexandra, I made it my mission to open doors for our youth, and to expose them to meaningful empowerment initiatives.”

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The start of these initiatives came with the establishment of Mr and Miss SSAP, which brough young people together, encouraged self-expression, and served as a platform for growth. Even more, the organisation cemented her as a dedicated community activist, paving her way to greater roles. “My continued dedication as a community activist led me to an even greater role – becoming CEO of the Mr and Miss Alexandra organisation.” Reflecting on that role, she said it was a recognition of the passion, commitment, and countless hours she had poured into uplifting the community she so deeply loves.

The impact of her leadership among youth cannot be overstated. SSAP, for instance, does not only focus on pageantry, but also mentorship and mental wellness programmes. These initiatives are geared towards holistic youth development, saving them from harmful behaviors that Motha once saw as a threat to their futures. “Some participants joined our programmes with negative mindsets, and under difficult circumstances, but, over time, the impact has been overwhelmingly positive. Our pageant programmes have truly been a platform for empowerment.”

Despite her successes, she still dreams bigger. She said the models are ready to take on the world. “We are going to see the future Mr or Miss SA, or Mr or Miss Universe… The leaders of tomorrow.”

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