HLENGIWE Happiness Mfeka, 20, from Lovu township, has been voted a finalist in this year’s Miss Mzansi Supreme.

On Saturday, May 7, Miss Mzansi Supreme held a sashing ceremony at Durban Club Chambers, where they announced the 11 finalists. The finale is set to take place on Saturday, July 23, at 10:00 in Durban, at The Pavilion Hotel.

Hlengiwe Mfeka is a student at the Durban University of Technology, studying Bachelor of Journalism. “I am a born leader and a powerful speaker. I believe in education,” she said.

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Her long term goal is to be on the Miss South Africa stage, to have a platform where her voice can he heard. She said, “I have always wanted to start an academic movement, so I believe Miss South Africa would be a great platform where I can get more young women to join.”

The pageant requires contestants to be active in their community. She has worked hand-in-hand with some of the DSW workers in cleaning Illovu rank, as well as supporting her local soccer team, the 18 Mambas Football Club, by giving them food and water.

“We have to be helpful in our community, as we all wish to lead one day. And before going places, we have to start in our communities,” she said.

Mfeka has also started her own programme, the Garden Club Women’s Empowerment Programme, which educates young minds on how to be academically strong and mentally independent.

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She added that, “Garden Club is about building powerful speakers and leaders. Reminding them that education is the key to success and whatever they wish or dream of is possible. We are now living in a free nation where education is for everyone. However, they have to be notified about the importance of being a young black educated child.”

Her programme is not exclusively about studying, it also focuses on talents such as debate, poetry, choir and dance sessions. In each category, she nominates a leader, to teach them responsibility at a young age.

“I hope my programme can be internationally used as a positive peaceful weapon to fight anything anyone would face. I also hope the program can produce more powerful and independent women. I also do cross night study for them every Friday and extra classes every Saturday and Sunday. I organise small trips for them, mini talent shows and I am their friend, mom, sister, and leader,” said Mfeka.

When she is not studying, modelling, or doing community work, she enjoys playing club soccer and reading books.

For more information, or to vote for her, visit their Facebook page Miss Mzansi Supreme.

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