Kurisani Baloyi, a 19-year-old international relations student at the University of Venda, is the 2023 Miss Lulekani. Baloyi was crowned at the Lulekani Community Hall recently. Her first princess is Tebogo Makope and her second princess is Naledi Maake. Baloyi told the Herald that she is pleased with her title. “I honestly did not think that I would win.

I almost quit the pageant as the contestants were exceptional, I was not confident coming into the event.” She said she wants to mentor aspiring models during her reign as she believes Phalaborwa has many hidden gems. 15-year-old Neo Malatji was crowned the 2023 Miss Teen Lulekani. Her first princess is Chantelle Mabunda and her second princess is Keizah Banda.

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Malatji is a Grade 10 learner at Frans du Toit High School. She told the Herald that she too did not believe that she would take the crown. “Going into the pageant, I decided to just enjoy myself rather than compete.” She said she will focus on donating school uniforms and sanitary pads to other teens in the area.

The pageant was founded by Hlalala Hlungwana, who works with his business partner, Bongani Timane. The organisers said the event surpassed their expectations. “We would like to thank our sponsors, the contestants and the community for their support,” Timane concluded.