PE teen scores winner as East Cape’s first Miss Sundowns
A TEENAGER from Westering in Port Elizabeth became the first Miss Mamelodi Sundowns to come from the Eastern Cape at a beauty competition held by the Pretoria soccer club in Kyalami on Saturday.
Nelson Mandela University law student Thulani Ndzotyana, 19, said she was overcome with excitement after winning the national title in Gauteng against 17 other contestants from all over South Africa.
She takes home a cash prize of R200 000 and a new Hyundai i20.
Ndzotyana is one of two Eastern Cape contestants – Khanya Mjoli is the other – selected as provincial Miss Mamelodi Sundowns to compete for the national title.
Actress and model Minnie Dlamini hosted the gala finale, which was judged by celebrities including television personality Bonang Matheba, singer Nandi Madida and Miss SA Adé van Heerden.
Also present were Public Works Minister Faith Muthambi, Mamelodi Sundowns president Patrice Motsepe and his wife, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe.
“It was such an amazing experience; we met and interacted with the [Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club] players, coaches and representatives,” Ndzotyana said. “I’m overwhelmed by this. It’s a reality that you really can accomplish any dream that you put your mind to, with prayer and hard work.”
Ndzotyana, who dreams of being the president of South Africa in 2044, has grown up competing in local pageants including NMU’s annual Mr and Miss Freshette, in which she was second princess last year.
The former Alexander Road High School pupil’s heart is set on empowering women to believe in their dreams whatever the circumstances, a goal that is in line with the pageant’s mission to “empower women through a platform usually dominated by men”.
“I’m excited to start working closely with the Motsepe Foundation as one of my duties as Miss Mamelodi Sundowns, to empower young women, and I’m already running initiatives in the Eastern Cape to allow young women to reach their dreams and promote community activism,” she said.
Since its inception in 2010, the pageant has become one of South Africa’s most prestigious, with two women from each province selected to compete at the nationals each year.