A diamond in the rough

Dressed to the nines and with looks to die for, 21-year-old Nontokozo Mabaso was crowned  Second Princess at Miss Newcastle 2016 pageant.

“The experience of being a part of Miss Newcastle was just absolutely amazing.”

Nontokozo said the continuous support from her friends, family and her sponsors contributed greatly to her success throughout the pageant.

Although she had never taken part in a pageant before, she thought the fact she was a part of a modelling school for the past two years boosted her confidence on the ramp.

Nontokoza explained the decision to enter Miss Newcastle started  as a joke, and she never thought she would get as far as she did. Walking away with a crown and the Second Princess title definitely came as a big surprise to her.

“I never expected to walk away with a prize or title, but clearly the judges saw something in me I did not know was there.”

The humble beauty expressed her admiration for fellow local beauty queen, Rodensia Kubheka, who won the tittle of Miss Newcastle Township 2016 in April this year, and said she strives to follow in her foot steps.

“Rodensia is a true example, proving no matter where you are from, you can achieve great things.”

Nontokozo said she gained more confidence by being a Miss Newcastle contestant, and the friendships she had built throughout these last few weeks, were ones she would treasure and value for many years to come.

Nontokoza thanked her colleagues and sponsor for their  support and advice throughout the competition, and her family for always being there for her with words of wisdom. She also  thanked her ‘maats’ for always boosting her confidence and making her laugh when she felt like giving up.

Nontokozo concluded by saying she would definitely take part in a pageant like Miss Newcastle again, and advised other women to do the same.

“Its not about your body shape, its about self confidence, motivation, pride, and walking down that ramp like you own it.”