Even though she bears a royal surname, she quickly assured Mpumalanga News that she is not of Shongwe royalty, but just a model who is pursuing her own crown and royalty through her community work. “I believe that I am more than just a model with beauty,” she said.

This talented youngster, who has featured at many modelling shows throughout the country, described herself as a woman of integrity. Shongwe’s love of the community has seen her volunteering at the Nkomazi Youth Centre and raising funds to buy and donate much-needed sanitary towels to young girls.

“I love getting my hands dirty for a good cause. I believe integrity is the foundation that makes us who we really are and encourages us to excel in every aspect of our lives. “I enjoy looking after others and helping in every way I can. I love working with young people, especially the girl child,” she continued.

“The troubles that young girls, especially those who are still at school level, have to go through encourages me to want to do more for them so that they don’t have to spend one less day away from school just because they don’t have sanitary towels.

“I have seen many young girls drop out because of this and I made it a point to try my level best to help even one child. “This initiative is very close to my heart and I would love to spread it across Nkomazi and help more girls. I am certain that with the help of local businesses we can touch many lives,” added Shongwe.

She said she would love to be used as a reference and an instrument for change, advocating for education.

“We need to keep reminding the youth that they are the future, but that future starts with a better education. “They need to learn how to use the technology and social media we enjoy now for constructive and meaningful purposes that will help shape their space and the world, rather than using it to gossip and spread illicit and nude content.” Shongwe is currently volunteering at Matsamo Primary School, where she helps oversee sanitisation, making sure they practise social distancing and also helping them catch up on their lessons.