First, Miss Fourways uses her crown to empower young women.

Samukelisiwe Mhlongo says when she was crowned the first-ever Miss Fourways, she knew the title carried more than the sparkle of a crown.

“The crown represented an opportunity to lead, inspire, and create meaningful change in the lives of others.”

The 23-year-old beauty queen is quickly proving that pageantry is about much more than appearances. Through mentorship, community involvement, and youth empowerment, she is using her platform to uplift young girls and help them discover their own potential.

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“Being crowned the first-ever Miss Fourways was an incredibly emotional and humbling experience. Knowing that I would be the first queen to represent the title made the moment even more special.

To me, the title is more than a crown. It represents leadership, responsibility, and the opportunity to inspire others.

“As an advocate for dark-skinned individuals, I am passionate about promoting representation and self-love. I want young girls who look like me to see themselves reflected in positions of leadership and influence, and to know that their beauty, worth, and potential are limitless.”

Winning the Miss Fourways title has opened new doors for Mhlongo, including the opportunity to represent the community on a national stage as she prepares to compete in Miss Cosmo South Africa.

However, despite her growing profile, she remains committed to giving back.

One of the ways she does this is by serving as a judge at local pageants, where she enjoys encouraging and supporting aspiring contestants.

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“What I enjoy most is witnessing the growth and confidence of contestants throughout their journey. It’s rewarding to see young girls discover their strengths, overcome self-doubt, and develop into confident individuals.”

Mhlongo is also involved with Miss Face of Diepsloot, where she serves as a director and mentor. The organisation aims to provide young girls and women with opportunities to develop confidence, leadership skills, and community awareness.

“Many young girls simply need encouragement, support, and someone who believes in them. Through initiatives like Miss Face of Diepsloot, I can help create opportunities that inspire growth, confidence, and hope for the future.”

Her message to young girls is simple but powerful. “Never underestimate your worth or your potential. A crown is beautiful, but true beauty comes from your character, confidence, and the impact you make on others.”

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