Zintle represents Edenvale at Miss Commonwealth
“What I enjoy most about the pageant is that it provides an opportunity to uplift and empower the children."
By Stephan Lehman
Edenvale resident Zintle Manzini has been selected as a participant in the Miss Commonwealth South Africa pageant.
The the 22-year-old was drawn to the pageant as she saw it as an opportunity to help others.
Zintle said when she entered the pageant in May she didn’t think she would be selected as a participant.
She said the pageant is not only about beauty but also about helping children at Zingce Foundation who have HIV and have been sexually assaulted.
“Helping children who have HIV is something close to my heart. My mother died from HIV when I was eight years old and my aunt took me in as her own child. My family shielded me from my mother’s death,” said Zintle.
Her Miss Commonwealth journey thus far has made her realise there are social inequalities and she is also aware of the affect HIV deaths have on children.
“When I visited and saw the children at the foundation, I realised they were still young and that there is still hope for them,” said Zintle.
As a participant, Zintle will raise funds for the foundation which will help the children further their education.
The funds will be used to buy uniforms, stationery, books and pay towards school fees.
“I hope to raise funds by hosting a colour run in Edenvale,” said Zintle.
“What I enjoy most about the pageant is that it provides an opportunity to uplift and empower the children. It is a chance to be hands-on with people in need,” said Zintle.
In 2012 Zintle also participated in the Miss Coffee pageant held in Indonesia and the South African Miss Heritage event at which she won the Miss Personality award.
As part of the Miss Commonwealth pageant, Zintle has already participated in a workshop hosted by the organisers.
Zintle said participants were taught entrepreneurial skills, how to motivate people and how to help people with HIV.
“For me, it is not about winning the pageant but rather about making a difference in South African communities,” said Zintle.
To contact Zintle, send her an email on zintlemanzini95@yahoo.com
