Vryheid youth shine at Miss & Mr Independent 2026
Youth Day pageant in Mondlo celebrated talent, confidence and community involvement.
Intokomalo Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) marked Youth Day by bringing together young people from Mondlo for the Miss & Mr Independent 2026 pageant, a celebration aimed at showcasing talent, promoting self-confidence and encouraging community involvement.
Contestants and community unite
The celebrations began on Monday last week with a meet-and-greet session, where the contestants had an opportunity to interact with the organisers and judges ahead of the main event.
The celebrations continued on Tuesday at the eMondlo Section A Hall, where community members gathered to see the participants take to the runway while local artists entertained the audience with various performances.
The event received support from AbaQulusi Local Municipality officials, who joined residents in commemorating Youth Day.
Organisation focuses on community development
Intokomalo Organisation chairperson and founder of the pageant, Phili Mtshali, said the organisation, which was registered in 2017, focuses on community development, skills development, research and community engagement.
It also works to identify orphans and vulnerable children and connect them with relevant support services, while providing assistance to people living with chronic illnesses.
“June 16 is a day where we celebrate our young people and there is no better way to do that than by bringing them together and allowing them to do what they love, revealing who they are and what they enjoy doing,” said Mtshali.
Mthobisi Nhlengethwa, and 2nd runner-up – Zolani Zungu.
Contestants compete in four categories
The pageant saw male and female contestants competing in four categories, namely Little Miss and Mr, Junior, Teen and Senior. Participants showed off their confidence and personality as they competed for various prizes.
Mtshali described the occasion as a success and thanked everyone who contributed to making the celebration possible.
“The event ended very late, but parents and community members remained with us until the end. We would like to thank AbaQulusi municipal officials, Ward Councillor Ngcobo, Mondlo businesspeople, judges and guests, as well as Nana Khuzwayo, Melusi Mchunu, Thandi Maduna, the Door-to-Door Association, the Intokomalo team, parents and participants. We truly appreciate everyone who played a role in making this day memorable and successful,” she said.
Thanksgiving ceremony planned
Mtshali concluded by adding that another thanksgiving and awards ceremony will be held to recognise all participants and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the Youth Day celebrations.
