WATCH: Benoni has a new king and queen
Winners of year’s event will continue working within their community and assisting local charity organisations.
As the lights dimmed, 28 local beauties and strapping gentlemen took to the stage to participate in the 45th annual Mr and Miss Benoni Pageant, on August 20.
The aha Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre was abuzz as friends and family cheered for their favourite contestant while the panel of distinguished judges tallied up their scores.
The judging panel for this year’s event included Sandor Dowling (businesswoman), Bradley Hunter (entrepreneur in the entertainment industry), Motshidisi Tlaka (Miss Benoni 2022/23), Connor Stuart (Mr Benoni 2022/23) and Michael Fresh (producer, presenter, MC and singer).
Dressed in sassy swimwear, the contestants strutted to the beat, letting their colourful personalities shine through.
With a cheeky wink of the eye, first runner-up Aidan Hassett, had the audience in stitches as he slapped on a pair of sunglasses with the message ‘go’ scrolling across the lenses.
After a short intermission, the audience settled into their seats once more, audible gasps could be heard as the contestants appeared on stage in their glamourous evening wear, fit for an evening at the Met.
The time had come, only seven ladies and seven gents would proceed to the final round which would see them facing quick-fired questions from the judges.
Lerato Tau, Carmen Speier, Aidan Hassett, Kylie Turner, Daniele Dimitrov, Matther Wilson, Ashley Witney, Justine Munusamy, Jonathan Kearns, Sandile Vilakazi, Tenei de Villiers, Joshua Patterson, Raquel Coelho and Meshack Maleka made the final cut, relaying on their wits and the gift of the gap to make a final lasting impression on the judges.
As the nerves reached fever pitch, Amber Bester was crowned at the Debutante of the Year, having raised more the R50 000 in aid of The Knights Charity Association, the recipient of the proceeds of this year’s event.
As voted for by the public, with a total of 3 894 votes cast, Matthew Claassen and Tenei de Villiers, were named the Benoni City Times People’s Choice winners.
However, the venue erupted in cheer when Meshack Maleleka, an amateur barber from Boksburg and Raquel Coelho, of Country View claimed the crowns.
“I am so incredibly grateful for my family’s support throughout this pageant,” said Raquel.
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“I took a gap year to find myself and entering this competition formed part of this journey to self-discovery.”
Smiling at his mother who was queuing to snap a picture of her son, Meshack said he had made fantastic friends throughout the competition.
“True friendship is worth more than money can buy and I am grateful for every friend I had made in the past couple of months.”
The successful day and prizes valued at R250 000 were made possible by the generous sponsors that included Actuator Valve Solutions, Benneton Insurance Brokers, BKH Instruments, Cappellos Boksburg, Chickitas Fashion Boutique, Dent Carpets, Dow Jones, Dual Valves, Flyerz Sports Bar, HR Solutions, KB Safety, Minuteman Press Benoni, MRT Spa, Pablos Mexican Cantina, Pick n Pay Oakfields, RGM Cranes, Sesfigile Logistics, Shapewear Shop and Yes Man Truck Sales.
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