Birchleigh-North’s Claire surprised to win title

The young and beautiful Claire Chinembiri proved that when you believe in yourself, have confidence and perseverance, you can achieve great things.

Claire was crowned Miss Commonwealth South Africa Charity 2019 in December at the Miss Commonwealth South Africa pageant.

There are three other crowns under Miss Commonwealth South Africa, namely first princess, Miss Ambassador and Miss Diamond Entrepreneur.

Claire said she was so shocked when they called out her name that she came out a few seconds late to collect her crown.

“I was both happy and shocked at the same time because I thought I didn’t win anything,” she said.

Although Claire was vying for the entrepreneur title she was rather pleased she got the charity title instead, because she loves working with various charities.

“Miss Commonwealth is also strongly based on charity work, which is why I entered and realised I actually got what I came here for,” said Claire.

The information science graduate has to juggle her nine to five job, her business (Claire’s Cupcakes) and the duties of her new title.

“My main focus, obviously, is charity, but I also want to empower and motivate young girls and women,” explained Claire.

“Being a girl teen can be a weird phase at times, so I just want to be that person who serves as a mentor as well. I already have two high school girls I mentor.

“To those who I mentor, I will always strive to be the person I wish I had when I was a teenager.”

The Birchleigh North resident said she took more than the title from the pageant because although she found it stressful at times, she learnt and gained a lot from being part of it.

“I procrastinated for three years to enter, but I am glad I finally did, because I had tons of fun and came out a better person,” said Claire.

“The team took their time to empower us through workshops and I realised that even if you don’t win you leave empowered and equipped, which is one of the reasons I would do it all over again.

“I am honoured to have met all those selfless and inspiring people, one of them being the director of the pageant, Ngawethu Ka-Siphiwo. She is an amazing and remarkable woman.”

Claire concluded with advice to the young women who would like to own a crown one day.

“Always do it for the right reason because that is what gets you the crown. Learn and have fun while you are there.”

She is looking for sponsorship or a company that would like to partner with her for financial support to cover her travelling costs as she will be doing a lot of charity and fund-raising events, including school talks.

To sponsor Claire or for more information contact her at clairechinembiri@gmail.com