Local beauty spreads positivity at beauty pageant
Let's all get behind Roosevelt Park High School learner at the finals of the Miss National South Africa pageant.
As an aspiring model with dreams of inspiring young girls to feel comfortable in their bodies, Nkhensani Makwakwa (15) has made it into the finals of the Miss National South Africa pageant final.
The competition is the foundation phase for the official Miss South Africa.
She will be competing in the pre-teen group with 16 other finalists for this age group from all provinces.
In Grade 9 at Roosevelt Park High School, she recalls being bullied in primary school for having dark skin and being body shamed. “I was so sad, it really hurt me.
“Now I am confident in my skin and with my body, but it has taken work to get here.”
Her older sister Mbalenhle commented, “I am so proud of her and glad she is able to represent us and spread her important message because I was also bullied for being too dark.”
Deputy principal Henk Ferreira said the whole school is ‘exceptionally proud of her and all her achievements. We are 100% behind her’.
Nkhensani has been able to wear her sash proudly at school and everyone is doing all they can to get her to the competition.
The final will be held in Durban in August 26–28, alongside other finalists as they all hope to win the coveted crown.
When she is older, she hopes to become a labour lawyer to help the disenfranchised and marginalised. Her altruism has seen her participate at local church initiatives like soup kitchens that feed the homeless, and trying to be a positive role model to younger children she encounters.
Her mother, Gugulethu, said when asked about the competition, “With my daughter’s message about bullying and body shaming, she has already won just by entering, regardless of what happens at the finals.”
Various projects and fundraising initiatives will be held in the coming weeks to try and fundraise for all the costs associated with being a finalist in the competition.
