Inkanyezi Special School turned heads and warmed hearts as the learners celebrated Heritage Day in style. A vibrant beauty pageant was held at the school recently.

The event, organised in partnership with renowned local model and event planner Ms Thobeka Mlotshwa, offered a unique and festive way to honour cultural diversity.

Both participants and spectators embraced the occasion with enthusiasm as a total of 23 learners graced the stage, dressed in stunning outfits that celebrated their heritage and individuality. Beyond the glamour, the aim was to inspire self-love, build confidence and pay tribute to ancestral roots.

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Winners of the day:

Junior Category: Queen – Aphiwe Ngwenya; 1st Princess – Sbongokuhle Cebekhulu; and 2nd Princess – Zama Mgaga.

Senior Category: Queen – Wandisile Nkabini; 1st Runner-Up – Zinhle Khanyile; and 2nd Runner-Up – Thembelihle Mbatha.

Male Category: King – Samkelo Shabalala; 1st Prince – Bayanda Mkhize; 2nd Prince – Mesuli Khumalo; 3rd Prince – Shayden Coetzee; and 4th Prince – Lwandile Ndebele.

Special Awards:

Model of the Day – Abida Madela;

Upcoming Model – Anele Hadebe;

Best Smile – Omphile Mchunu; and

Best Dressed – Lethokuhle Makhubo.

The winners of each category received gifts.

Mlotshwa expressed her gratitude to the school and the parents for their support, saying, “We are truly grateful that the event was such a success. The learners have shown incredible talent and we hope the parents will continue to support such initiatives.”