The University of Johannesburg (UJ) recently celebrated more than just glitz and glam when it crowned its new campus royalty on September 1. For the winners, the Mr and Miss UJ pageant was not only about the titles but also about leadership, courage, and self-discovery.

Tshegofatso Pholoholo, crowned King of UJ Auckland Park campus, described the moment as nothing short of exciting. “I cannot wait for the opportunities,” he said, adding that the role is about more than wearing a crown. “It means being a leader and also showing people that it is possible. I want to inspire people, for them to aspire and dream, and to know that dreams do come true.”

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For Pholoholo, the decision to enter was deeply personal. “I’m an introvert, so this was about stepping out of my skin and doing things that make me uncomfortable,” he explained.

Alongside him, Onalerona Sithole, crowned Second Prince of UJ Auckland Park campus, said the competition was a chance for growth and impact. “It was always about self-discovery and self-development. I’ve always had a passion for pageantry, but my real why was to make an impact. I’ve been in the shadows while carrying so much light. This gave me the platform to share it.”
First Prince of UJ Joseph Sico Birch Kayombo echoed that sentiment, saying the pageant was part of his own journey of courage. “I set a couple of goals this year and told myself: let me just do this, whether I fit in or I’m shy. It was about taking that step and seeing what it brings. I’m grateful.”

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Among the women, Ashley Lentz, named Second Princess, reflected on her own transformation. “In high school, I was very focused on academics, and I didn’t really interact much with the school. I didn’t want that to define my varsity life, so I put my foot in the door and entered the pageant—and now I’m Second Princess, which is amazing,” she said.

Her mission as a titleholder is clear: “I want to create more inclusion and break down stigmas about disabilities, whether visible or invisible. People should be seen for their dreams, their talents, and their strengths. A disability doesn’t define a person.”

For all the titleholders, the UJ pageant was more than a showcase of beauty or presence; it was a stage to challenge themselves, celebrate diversity and begin shaping the impact they want to have within the university community and beyond.

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