“Big can be beautiful too”

She is not your regular size eight model, but Hambanathi’s Fezeka Nyaka said she is determined to bring home the crown from the Miss KZN Fuller Figure 2014 pageant, in which she is a finalist.
The Tongaat Toll plaza teller said she entered the competition because she wanted to show curvy young girls that they need not be ashamed of their big bodies.
“Some of us gain weight with age but others like me were chubby babies and we never lost the weight. We were teased as teenagers because we could not run fast enough or wear skimpy outfits like our friends.”
She said it was time curvy women recognised their own beauty and she was grateful to Urban communications and events specialist for putting together the Fuller Figure Women of KZN – Intokazi 2014 pageant.
The plus-sized lady who takes the crown home will drive away with a brand new Kia Picanto and other sponsored prizes.
“As a youth ambassador for the premier’s office, I work a lot with young people, both able bodied and disabled and I feel that winning this pageant will expand the platform for the work I do with them.”
Fezeka’s youth ambassador portfolio includes organising career guidance in different communities as well as counselling for those who need professional help.
She said as much as she “desperately wanted the new car”, her goal is to motivate other pluz-sized women to start believing that big could also be beautiful.
“We are not big and dumb like most people choose to believe. We have dreams too and strive for the same opportunities as everyone else. It is a pity that publications that fill the magazine stands do not display the other side of beauty.”
To vote for Fezeka SMS ‘KZNeyethu+fezekanyaka’ to 42283.
The finale will be held at Durban City Hall on May 10 at 7pm.