Norkem Park teen a finalist at Miss United Nations South Africa 2020
The United Nation pageant focuses on volunteer work
Multi-talented Kimberly Malope (18) has been chosen as one of the 25 finalists in the next Miss United Nations South Africa to be hosted in December.
The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) MSA BSc sociology student discovered the pageant on Instagram and applied.
“When it comes to pageants, I do my own research because it’s very hard to find pageants to participate in around South Africa. After seeing the pageant online, and due to the pandemic I was requested to send a video of myself modelling in my best outfit with my favourite pageant walk. I also had to provide a one-minute video introducing myself. Out of the 500 entries I was chosen as a finalist,” said Malope.
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The pageant focuses on volunteer work and each contestant must have a background in volunteer work.
The Norkem Park resident, the youngest award-winning motivational speaker, started modelling at the age of two.
“Some of the pageants I have won are Little Miss Wild Waters 2009, Little Miss Joburg Zoo 2008, Miss Star International/World 2018, Miss Teenager Sub-Saharan Africa 2019 and Miss Teenager Congeniality Universe 2019.
“I sing, dance, act, model, choreograph, coach and MC. I am a globetrotter and have been to Zimbabwe, London, New York, Brazil, Washington, Hong Kong, Mexico, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Miami and Costa Rica.
“I’ve met a lot of influential people, like the former USA president Bill Clinton, former USA president Barack Obama, former SA president Jacob Zuma, Graca Machel, Kofi Annan and Tokyo Sexwale.
“I love anything that has to do with the stage. My confidence and personality is what help me stand out. I take anything and everything as a challenge and believe there is no such thing as I cant do it, if you set your mind to it you will succeed.
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“As a young girl, being able to show confidence in your own skin has a big impact on who you really become. Modelling is not only about beauty but also brains. Models are strong, independent women who strive in bettering themselves and their surroundings.
“The advantage of modelling is you get to represent your country internationally in pageants. We are able to give hope to all aspiring pageant walkers in the country, proving that anything is possible despite where you come from. Modelling enables us to empower and be empowered as young ladies.
“We all express stress when it comes to modelling and pageants, we lose sleep, our diets change and anxiety just steps into your personal bubble, but I handle stress through the grace of God because through him I know that every step I take on the stage and every word that comes out of my mouth is done through the strength he gives me.
“My mother is also my pillar and manager, she motivates and guides me. She is also the reason behind my success as a young black woman. Without my friends and family I wouldn’t be where I am today. Their support, votes and words of encouragement have helped me and built my confidence,” said Malope.
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