Miss UFH vows to fight sexual harassment of female students
NEWLY crowned Miss University of Fort Hare, Lethokuhle Linda, said she would use her title to address the issue of sexual harassment of female students by their male counterparts at the university.
Linda was announced the winner of the prestigious beauty pageant at an event that was held at the university’s Alice campus on Saturday night.
Mihle Duda was the second princess, while the darling of the crowd, Mihlali Seyile, was the first princess.
Luxolo Qwatekane was crowned Mr University of Fort Hare, with Mudiwa Chinaire in second place, and Kamvelihle Malindi in third.
Linda, who was excited to have won, said female students lived in fear of sexual harassment every day.
Although she was not sure of the strategy she would use, the issue would be one of her priorities, she said.
“Rape is a very serous issue and it needs the attention it deserves,” she said.
Linda said female students should not have to feel unsafe on campus.
“It cannot be acceptable that female students are seen as sex objects. That mentality needs to change. Male students need to start respecting women now so that they will be responsible adults in the future,” she said.
Qwatekane said he was excited UFH.
“I was nervous and at some stage thought of quitting, but one thing I have learnt from this is that if you put your mind to something and work towards achieving it, all is possible,” Qwatekane said.
He encouraged students to work hard towards their goals and never doubt their capabilities.
One of the judges and Miss Eastern Cape 2015 Vuyelwa Nqweniso, who is also a UFH graduate, said they were looking for originality and confidence, among other things, in the winners.
“I do see potential but for those who like to pursue entering beauty pageants in the future they must know that is is not only about outside appearance, but more on what change one can make in their communities,” Nqweniso said.
Other judges were current Miss Eastern Cape Thandokazi Mfundisi, socialite George Vokwana and Miss Amathole Heritage 2016-17 Thembakazi Sikhundla.
The students were entertained by artists such as Prince Kay Bee, Nokwazi Dlamini of iNDE Lendlela fame and Zodwa Rebecca Libram, popularly known as Zodwa Wabantu.
SRC secretary Ahlomile Mafu said they were happy that the event had been a great success. to be Mr