Heroes and heroines see the beauty
LOOKING for beauty beyond the normal boundaries.
That’s what is behind the KZN Heroines and Heroes event to be held at the Durban City Hall on December 2.
Stretching these societal norms is organiser Shilex Shange, who said: “Beauty comes in different forms regardless of race, body shape or age. The purpose behind this event is to build confidence and make people feel as though their lives are worth living.
“It’s not only about external, but also about that deep beauty within. We also want to encourage women to age gracefully,” said Shange.
Originally from Pietermaritzburg, Shange has lived in Durban for 30 years and described her early life as “coming from a torn family. I grew up not knowing my daddy and my mother didn’t have money, so I used to do some modelling to help pay for school. When I was 18, I was washing cars.”
Shange added that from the mature generation to the disabled, 12 finalists from across the province had been chosen for the event.
“We also encourage giving to charity and a sense of ‘what can I do for my community?’, she said, adding that those who lived on the fringes “need to feel they belong to society”.
Last year’s winner, 21-yearold Halalisani Dlamini, described the 2016 event as “one of the best experiences of my life”.
Growing up with albinism, Dlamini, from Isipingo, said: “I entered last year because I wanted to expose my confidence and show that I enjoy life. I don’t need boundaries.”
Having also worked as a model, Dlamini is now studying towards a degree in social sciences and doing a triple major in politics, criminality and legal studies. He also enjoys swimming and soccer. He is a Kaiser Chiefs fan.
And while Dlamini will be crowning this year’s winner, hopeful finalist 43-year-old Pearl Mbele, who is in a wheelchair, said she entered the event because she wanted to give hope to others who may feel desperate. uMlazi resident Mbele suddenly lost the use of her legs because of a spinal infection two years ago and has had to undergo a major life adjustment, including losing a good job. “It started with a sudden pain in my hip and then I couldn’t walk… my lower limbs wouldn’t move. The first three months were really hard. I have a very good mother, she’s 78 and she moved from her home in Port Shepstone to look after me. I also have a strong network of friends who have been there with me on this journey. “All I want is to be able to live independently and I am half way there. My mind is not disabled and in this pageant, I want to send the message that if something happens to you, don’t lose hope, you don’t know what the future holds. I feel very blessed,” she said.
Another finalist, Nontobeko Hlongwane from Cato Manor, said she wanted to show that voluptuous women could and should be showing off the fuller figure. “I grew up in a rural area of Port Shepstone and I always wanted to model. Now I am 34 and a mother of four, but I still want to go and explore my dreams. My husband is 100% behind me, along with my four beautiful children.
“I am a plus-sized lady and along with my age, I am ready to shine,” said Hlongwane.
Having been both a netball and rugby player, she added that being fit had always been part of her lifestyle.
“I am very active and I coach netball as well. I think I get my confidence from my late mom who used to work for an orphanage and I grew up being part of and creating group activities,” she said.
KZN Heroines and Heroes gala evening is being hosted by Mthunzi Xulu and Seluleko Msweli, while up-and-coming singer Ithwasa Lendidane will head up the artists. Sponsors for the event include eThekwini Municipality.
For more information, contact 078 280 3374 or 078 566 8490.