ON August 6, at Durban Manor Hotel, 23-year-old Thandolwethu Vilakazi was standing on stage at the 2022 Mr and Miss Durban Pagaent when her name was called as the overall winner, and she was crowned the Miss Durban Queen. The Berea resident says she was hoping to win but was still overwhelmed with excitement when she heard her name being called.

“I was backstage at first, and titles such as Miss Congeniality and Miss Charity were being called, and I wasn’t hearing my name, so I gave myself a pat on the back and told myself that I tried my best. Then they called three contestants onto the stage, and I was one of the top three who were called! Then it was down to the top two, and I couldn’t believe what was happening! Then it all happened so fast; they called my name, and I was crowned. I wanted to win, but I definitely had to take a moment to take it all in.”

ALSO READ: Fabulous reads: Prepare for a wild whodunit for kids

The Berea resident says that Mr and Miss Durban is a and Miss Durban is a newly established pageant but one that is growing exponentially.

About the pageant

Vilakazi says she found out about the pageant through social media and entered, but she limited her expectations, not expecting to receive a response. “When I came across this opportunity, it was actually at a time in my life when I was so down and out. I had such low self-esteem, and I really wanted to challenge myself to get myself out of the rut,” she said.

She says she had experience from having entered a pageant before, but it was on a much smaller scale. “I actually entered a pageant in Grade Five and placed third as Second Princess, but other than that, I didn’t think I had it in me to win the crown, but it was important for me to go for it anyway, to prove something to myself.”

The 23-year-old says the journey to winning the Miss Durban Queen title was made abundantly pleasant due to the wonderful rapport that all the contestants shared, and her fellow pageant participants were so proud of her achievement.

“My mom was there, my little sister, my friends and work colleagues; I was overwhelmed by love and support, and I’m so appreciative to everyone who supported me,” she said.

“The biggest lesson that I took away from this entire experience is how important community work is because throughout the pageant, it was emphasised to us that we should be clear about how we will make a difference. I plan on enjoying my reign and involving myself in my own community as much as I can,” concluded Vilakzi.