Local teen is a Miss Commonwealth semi-finalist
Lindokuhle would like to establish her own non-profit organisation one day because of her love for charity
Sixteen-year-old culture fanatic and student at Shangri-La Academy, Lindokuhle Sibanda, is one of 45 semi-finalists for the Miss Teen Commonwealth SA pageant.
The Commonwealth pageants create a platform for women of all ages to become charity and culture ambassadors within South Africa and the broader international community, and to empower women with the knowledge necessary to bring change to communities in need.
“I was attracted by this pageant because it is about making a difference and I want to make a difference in my community, because I love working with people and children and helping wherever I can, and I also think that it will boost my leadership skills as well as my confidence” said Lindokuhle.
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Each semi-finalist must choose a charity for which to raise funds and Lindokuhle chose Tumelo Children’s Home, in Tembisa. The centre currently accommodates 32 children under the age of 16.
“I did a community project with them last year and the experience was so life changing and emotional that I just wanted to stay on and help even more,” she added.
”I want to start a leadership programme and also to help raise funds and collect donations for the necessities these children need.”Lindokuhle would like to establish her own non-profit organisation one day, because of her love for charity. She also enjoys listening to music and doing good at school by delivering speeches or making presentations in class.
“I just want to thank my friend, Klause, for pushing me into entering the competition and making me realise again that outer beauty is not everything and that dreams can come true if you work toward them.
”I was very scared at first to enter, because I didn’t think I was beautiful enough, but this whole opportunity has boosted my self-confidence and now I know that confidence really is key in every aspect of life.”
Lindokuhle will be joining the other semi-finalists on April 2, for their first workshop, where they will be doing interviews and photo shoots to prepare them for the finals, in June.
“I am so excited about going on this life-changing journey with so many beautiful people and make the most of every situation, I am so glad I entered,” she said.
”Through this experience I wish to inspire young girls, or even women, to just be themselves and enjoy being the person they are.”
