EL’s Jindela top choice in beauty pageant

AFTER years of entering professional beauty pageants for married women without a win, Eastern Cape’s very own beauty queen Yonela Jindela was crowned as Mrs Face of Africa and Mrs Africa Tourism Universe 2018 on Saturday.

In addition to the two titles she described the four awards she won as “a clean sweep” after taking home the People’s Choice Award, Social Media Queen, Best Chaperone Gift and Contestants Choice Award.

Jindela was one of 16 finalists and the only contestant from the Eastern Cape in the running to win the overall Mrs Africa crown and other categories. The official Mrs Africa 2018 crown was however won by Lucinda Pietersen against other women from Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Kenya, Swaziland and Mauritius.

The pageant was held in the Buffelspoort Resort in the North West on Saturday. Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday the Mthatha-born Jindela, who now lives in East London, said she was very happy and humbled by the experience.

Jindela, who was a Mrs Africa finalist last year, said on Saturday she was armed with experience, mentorship and loads of confidence.

“Previously I was not confident in public speaking and I focused and fixed that weakness for this year’s competition because when you enter beauty pageants, you must be able to speak to people and be confident.”

As the new Mrs Africa Tourism Universe she will now be competing on an international level where she will be representing the continent next year.

“Winning Mrs Africa Tourism Universe was a big win for me, it means I will be promoting tourism in Africa and specifically the tourism sector of the Eastern Cape province as I am from that area,” she told the Dispatch.

The 28-year-old mother of two was the most voted-for beauty queen by friends, family and fans and the votes secured her the Mrs Face of Africa title.

Commenting on the four awards, Jindela said: “The awards were extra special as they were voted for by the people, including my fellow contestants who gave me the nod. When I left for the competition on October 27, I brought with me the isiXhosa traditional garments for the contestants and they loved the gift. In a way I was teaching them about my culture.”

She walked away with gifts including jewellery, beauty products nd certificates for her achievements.

Her family, friends and fans will be welcoming her back today. —