Local beauty wins global competition

Ziphozihle beats 45 contestants

COMING from the dusty streets of Nyanisweni Village near Peddie, Ziphozihle Ntlanganiso said she never dreamed she would one day compete in a global beauty pageant, let alone win it.

Ntlanganiso, 25, was crowned Miss Heritage Global 2015, beating contestants from 45 other countries on Saturday.

Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, Ntlanganiso said she was still trying to wrap her head around her triumph.

“I have witnessed the grace of God carry me through this journey.

“My heart is just filled with joy and knowing my people back at home are also happy for me, makes so proud.

“I entered this competition not knowing where I would end up but look what God has done, I am so happy,” she said.

Miss Heritage South Africa, now in its third year, celebrates culture and togetherness in diversity through a mix of culturally relevant segments.

The global event, held for the first time in South Africa, took place at Gallagher Estate in Midrand. It featured contestants from 34 countries including Croatia, Macedonia, the Republic of Srpska, the US, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Canada, Peru, Serbia, India, Philippines, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Venezuela, Spain, Cuba, Salvador, Haiti, Japan, Bahamas, Colombia, Brazil and Hungary.

Ntlanganiso said she was more than ready to tackle this new chapter in her life.

“This is a season of growth and this journey means I can continue with efforts to impact young people and empower young women, which is why I entered this pageant. I wanted to encourage the youth to embrace their culture and this is the best platform,” said Ntlanganiso.

She said the competition had been stiff but she had learnt that it did not matter where you came from and that “we are all the same”.

Ntlanganiso said she did not know if she would enter any other pageants in the future.

“This competition just spoke to me. I was drawn to its values and what it stood for.” —