Miss Indoni SA is proud of her Swazi culture
The new face of Indoni, will be completing matric next year, not only made her family proud, but also the school, municipality and province.
KAMAQHEKEZA – The new Miss Indoni Cultural South Africa 2016, Thembelihle Mpofu, was lauded for promoting the SiSwati culture during a prize-giving ceremony at Mgubho Combined School last Tuesday.
The hall was filled with the sounds of ululations and dancing as guests expressed their joy and pride at the lass’ achievement. Guests included MEC for education and acting premier
Ms Reginah Mhaule, Nkomazi mayor Cllr Thulisile Khoza, Chief Isaac Mdluli, Dr Thembinkosi Biyela of Indoni and officials from the departments of arts and culture, education and sport and recreation. Indoni Ndebele queen Carry Mthimunye and prince Mongezi Mthimunye and Mr Indoni Cultural, Muzi Mathaba were also present.
The 17-year-old Mpofu represented the SiSwazi culture and went on to win the Miss Indoni Cultural South Africa pageant at the ICC Durban Arena on October 15.
Besides prize money and a cellphone, she also won a study bursary and enrolment in a short course.
The new face of Indoni, will be completing matric next year, not only made her family proud, but also the school, municipality and province.
Mgubho principal, Mr Baldwin Mkhabela, stated that the school was very proud of her achievement and the positive attention she had brought to the school.
The Miss Indoni Cultural South Africa pageant was launched to celebrate culture and identity and aims to groom young people into successful individuals and educated them on the dangers of HIV, teenage pregnancy and drugs.
The young beauty attributes culture and education as her keys to success. “What is important in culture is respect, way of dressing, way of speaking and education. I would like to advise each and every young girl that being themselves is the most important thing. Through respect, culture, and family you can do the best in the world,” Mpofu stated.
She thanked all of her supporters, from her family to the school and government, for their backing throughout the competition. In the spirit of the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence Against Women and Children, she urged women and girls not to allow themselves to be abused.
The acting premier congratulated Mpofu and wished her well in her duties as winner. She appreciated the good work done by Indoni, traditional leadership and pastors in instilling morals and urged that boys should also be encouraged to participate in Indoni.
Mhaule also donated a rugby kit to the school to support their sporting activities.
