KwaDukuza-born chemical engineering student Mbali Buthelezi was crowned Miss South Africa Plus World in Bloemfontein earlier this month.

The curvy 20-year-old was last week welcomed home by KwaDukuza mayor Lindile Nhaca, who congratulated her on the achievement.

Buthelezi said credit for the woman she has become must go to her mother and sisters who helped groom her for adulthood.

She said winning the pageant now affords her the opportunity of being the voice of the youth.

“I always wanted to be involved in pageants because of the platform it provides. My voice can now be heard by that little girl who is desperate for kind words of motivation to tell her it’s going
to be okay.”

Buthelezi has a lot to say to the youth of South Africa and says she views this as an essential duty.

“Being Miss SA Plus World means we now control the narrative. Plus-sized women can be heroes in society who uplift people from all walks of life, reminding them that they are beautiful in every way.”

Armed with her Miss SA Plus World regalia, Buthelezi said she will make every effort to go out to schools and public spaces to promote the organisation.

She said for women to be uplifted in society someone has to get up and make the necessary changes and be a role model.

Describing the moment she knew she had won, Buthelezi said: “The feeling itself cannot be put into words. I was overwhelmed and extremely grateful. My work continues and that is the ultimate prize, to change lives.”

Buthelezi’s hobbies include reading and playing volleyball. When not at home in KwaDukuza, she can be found buried in her studies in Durban.

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