Iconic Soweto pageant celebrates its 40th anniversary
JOBURG – House music legend Harrison Crump headlines Miss Soweto 2019 pageant alongside celeb judges K Naomi and Nolo Phiri.
The start of the festive season usually signals the eagerly awaited Miss Soweto pageant. This year, the pageant marks its 40th anniversary. A celebration of that rare combination of beauty, grace, self-motivation and resilience, the Miss Soweto pageant has been a beloved fixture in Johannesburg’s communities far and wide since 1979.
True to tradition, this year’s event will be hosted at the Soweto Theatre on 30 November and will be broadcast on Soweto TV on 7 December. Twenty finalists will compete for the coveted #MissSoweto2019 title, as well as for the titles of First Princess, Second Princess, Miss Personality, Miss Photogenic and Miss Social Butterfly.
The pageant, which has a dedicated following, has launched the careers of many revered personalities. Most notably renowned businesswoman and Miss World 1994 runner-up, Basetsana Khumalo, who was Miss Soweto in 1990; CEO and Founder of The Image Firm, Doris Msibi, who wore the crown in 2000; and DJ and media personality, Lerato Kganyago, who took the honour in 2005.
“Miss Soweto is someone who is strong, determined and confident. She is an extra-ordinary woman who epitomises what it means to be a Sowetan and is an inspiration to young and old alike,” said Mokhele Makhothi, marketing manager of White Star Super Maize Meal, the main sponsor of the pageant.
The stellar occasion will be headlined by US-born legend of house music, Harrison Crump, who will be supported by Idols SA 2018 finalist, King B. Celebrities on the judging panel will include model and media personality, K Naomi and Rhythm City star, Nolo Phiri, among others. The proud 2018 titleholder, Nokukhanya Kunene, will be on hand to pass on the crown to her successor.
“The Miss Soweto pageant and its sponsor, White Star, has opened doors for so many women in Soweto. It also offers those of us lucky enough to wear the crown the opportunity to give back to our community by participating in a number of outreach programmes that make a real difference to people in need,” said Kunene.
In keeping with its aim of making a difference in the community, White Star not only sponsors the Miss Soweto pageant itself, but also ensures that the 20 finalists acquire skills that will empower and enrich them in the future. This includes a number of exclusive workshops designed to enhance their grooming skills, hone their fashion sense, and train them in the finer points of etiquette and professionalism. Key partners in the workshop series include Even and Lovely, Eli Ball Evening Wear and K Mille Models, all of which bring their unique creative flair to each year’s event.
“We are extremely proud of the milestones we are celebrating this year. It’s an honour to sponsor a programme that encourages young women to live their best lives, which is a core value of our brand,” said Makhothi.
