Home-grown talent shines through
Newcastle born model matriculated in 2014, and at a young age she had already hit the stage with confidence.
Nontokozo Happiness Mkhize was born to reign the beauty industry with her natural poise and charm.
The 22-year-old exudes euphoria, which shines through in her outward beauty.
This dynamic Newcastle born model matriculated from Hlalanathi High School in Madadeni in 2014, and at a young age she had already hit the stage with confidence.
She has participated in numerous school pageants which gave rise to greater opportunities later.
In 2015, she was crowned Miss ITB and in the next year, she earned the prestigious title of Miss Winter Festival.
Being a part of Fancy That Models agency, owned by Christine Harburn, Happiness said former Miss Newcastle, Amy Bushell was her inspiration and modelling tutor who groomed her for perfection.
“I always wanted to be a model. It is something I wish to pursue as a career,” she confided.
Happiness has now been chosen as a finalist in the Miss Africa pageant; an achievement she considers exciting.
Despite the rumours surrounding pageants, Happiness dispelled the misconception of cat fights among other contestants.
“It’s easy to make friends because the girls are always encouraging each other.”
She is involved in various charities, but the one she holds dear is the campaign against women and child abuse.
“It is personal for me; I had a few family members who were affected and I wish to educate and, in turn, protect women and children from abuse.”
Happiness is an easy-going person and an avid sport enthusiast. In her spare time, she enjoys singing and listening to music and spends time visiting abandoned babies at Home Meah.
“Modelling has given me a voice to help others,” she said.
Setting personal goals and trying to make the world a better place, she is determined to make a difference.
Her advice to aspiring models would be to believe in themselves first. She is an advocate of women empowerment, and strongly believes in instilling confidence to all women and young girls.
Happiness imparts these wise words: “You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay.”
To ensure Happiness achieves her dream, she is searching for companies who are able to sponsor her.
She can be contacted on happinecc01@gmail.com.
