Pupil crowned Miss Thembu
SINOVUYO Bokveld of Qoqodala has won the Miss Thembu Nation cultural pageant. The Nzimankulu Secondary School pupil was encouraged by her teacher and choir conductor – Lungile Nyukwana and Xabiso Mtirara – to enter the pageant which took place in Uitenhage recently.
“After a girl from my area, Ngcwelekazi Shenxane, was crowned as the Thembu queen, I gained a lot of interest. Since 2014, my school has been participating in cultural activities to prepare for the competition, which takes place during the June school holidays.”
Bokveld said she had learnt more about her tribe, the AbaThembu, and the cultural customs.
“I also gained knowledge about other tribes, such as AmaXhosa and AmaMpondomise, which are different and commonly mistaken as one.”
The girls were judged upon their confidence levels, how they recited praise songs and how they represented their tribes and themselves.
Bokveld said she was looking forward to representing the AbaThembu in the national competition in Durban next month.
“My family was behind me throughout the process. I appreciate the support I got from them, my school and friends.”
Nyukwana said it had been fitting for Bokveld to enter the competition, “because she is a positive person who is always willing to assist and also does well academically.”
Bokveld will compete against other participants on October 7 in Durban at the Indoni Miss Cultural South Africa 2017-18.
“I practise every day. If I make any changes [to my routine], I always check with my chaperone Ayabonga Desemela as we are in this together.”
Vote by sending a message, Indoni Thembu, to 48496.