Lady Luck smiled with glee as 40 hopefuls stepped onto the ramp to compete in 47th annual Mr and Miss Benoni pageant, held at aha Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre, on September 7.

Hosted by Rampage Modelling Agency, the glitzy event, set on the Las Vegas strip, saw 20 female and 20 male contestants take to the stage in an electrifying unison dance which left the audience placing their bets on their favourites.

As the afternoon progressed, the gents swopped their trusty sneakers for polished Oxfords while the ladies emerged in evening wear fit for royalty.

But it was Trent Govender (19) and Ofentse Mkhonto (17) who stole the show, claiming the title of Mr and Miss Benoni 2025.

Aspiring chef and health shop assistant, Trent admitted that he had no aspirations to pursue pageantry but entered the competition to appease his older brother.

“The kitchen is where I am most comfortable. Cooking and experimenting with different flavours is how I express myself,” said the Farrarmere resident.

“I cannot believe that I won the title! I was completely out of my depth, but I will chalk it up as a memorable experience.”

While actively submitting applications for culinary apprenticeships, Trent says he hopes to use his title to generate support for both the Benoni SPCA and Child Welfare.

“Animal welfare has always been close to my heart, but after spending a day at the Bunny Park with the kids of Kids Haven and Colin House, I realised that I would like to make a difference in these children’s lives, even if it is just taking the time to connect with them.”

Stunning the judging panel, which consisted of Thembi Letsoalo, Tandi Potgieter, Yakim Junade Ali, Stephan Marinov and Dunay van Zyl, Ofentse did a happy jig after being crowned Miss Benoni.

The Grade 11 learner of Benoni High School said that participating in the pageant is a goal she had worked towards for the past three years.

“I started modelling with the hopes of one day being selected as a finalist. Juggling school and meeting the pageant requirements nearly caused me to throw in the towel and withdraw,” she said.

“I worked hard towards finding the optimal balance between my academics and my dream. I am so happy I did not give up.”

As the founder of Prime Purpose, an NPO in Springs, Ofentse aims to further create awareness about the challenges people with disabilities face. She will endeavour to extend the organisation’s reach to Benoni.

“My aunt is physically challenged, it is therefore very close to my heart. I would like to live in a world where differently abled individuals can move around as freely as their able-bodied counterparts.”

During the judges’ Q&A session, second prince Amogelan Mashinini said that he entered the competition as a means to overcome adversity thus becoming someone worth remembering.

While being sashed by Stephan Marinov (Mr Benoni 2024), emcee Ron Mcharg brought the contestant to tears saying: “Amo, you are definitely someone worth remembering.”

Leading up to the pageant finale, Benoni City Times readers had the opportunity to vote for their favourite finalists in the Benoni City Times People’s Choice Award.

A total of 5 017 votes were cast from August 25 to September 3 with power couple Hope Kutama and Siyabonga Mhlongo claiming the title.

Alex Vinnicombe was crowned the pageant’s debutante and Migeal Visser claimed the title of Mr Personality.

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