While pageants might be gimmicks for self-indulgent individuals to show themselves off, they have changed the lives of many individuals world-wide.

After attending and reporting on the last round of the Mr and Miss Benoni, last year, I realised how much bravery the finalists had to possess to expose themselves on a stage, in front of a panel of judges and members of their community and have every inch of them judged.

While our society holds many young people who struggle with a lack of self-esteem, pageants are a great way of building confidence.

I recall Debbie Moore, owner of Rampage Modelling Agency, saying how she has witnessed contestants gain confidence and grow as persons over the years, hosting the pageant.

The finalists gain skills in public speaking, project strategising, approaching sponsorship, grooming and being sociable.

At the end of the day, the winners of this pageant, as with most, have to play a role in their community to contribute to the improvement in the lives of others.

These entrants are knowingly pursuing a lifestyle in which they will give up their free time to attend to the needs of others.

Lastly, the pedestal participants in pageants are placed on plays a part in an individual’s restraint from the abuse of illegal substances, or any other morally incorrect behaviour, due to being monitored and having to set an example to others.

Besides the glitz and glamour that we see on the outside, pageants serve a much bigger purpose in society.

The entrants need the community’s support to make a success of this year’s pageant and as a tight community; I look forward to seeing Benoni have their backs.TB