UL student crowned Miss Congeniality
Khakhodwe Thabo (20), a University of Limpopo student with albinism, crowned Miss Congeniality, aims to create inclusive environments.
LIMPOPO – Khakhodwe Thabo, a 20-year-old translation and linguistics student at the University of Limpopo, has been crowned Miss Congeniality 2024/25.
She expressed her excitement at being crowned, saying she wants to create an environment where everyone, including people with disabilities, feels heard and valued.
Thabo, who has albinism, hails from the rural village of Maranzhe in the Tshivhase dynasty. Her achievement was celebrated by her family, well-wishers, and the traditional leadership of her village.
She received a smartphone, a weekend getaway, a cash prize from Black Leopards managing director Tshifhe David Thidiela, and additional prizes including vouchers.
Vhamusanda Dzudzanyani Nemaranzhe, the traditional leader of Maranzhe, expressed pride in Thabo’s accomplishment, highlighting how it has brought national recognition to their rural village.
The Miss Congeniality 2024/25 beauty pageant was held on Saturday at the Assemblies of God Church in Golgotha near Thohoyandou.
The event featured 10 contestants, all young women with disabilities, who are either university or TVET college students.
Thabo was crowned Miss Congeniality, with Shannon Morwamphea and Mukundi Manganyi named first and second princesses, respectively, and Reihametse Mametja winning the title of Miss Personality.
This year’s theme, ‘You Are as Bright as the Rising Sun’, aimed to showcase the talent, confidence, and beauty of participants, irrespective of their disabilities.
The pageant is the brainchild of Bele Netshiheni, a visually impaired former teacher from Thohoyandou P East.
Netshiheni, who lost her sight in 2013 after 22 years as a teacher, founded Miss Congeniality in 2018 with encouragement from her children. She was motivated by her own experience to create a platform that empowers young people with disabilities.
“I want to encourage disabled young people to become confident and appreciate their beauty, regardless of their disabilities,” said Netshiheni. She also said education is important in empowering participants to become future leaders.
“Through Miss Congeniality, we aim to empower young women not only with confidence but also educationally, ensuring they overcome societal barriers and achieve success,” she said.
