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SHE might not have made it far in the Miss Universe pageant but Miss South Africa Ziphozakhe Zokufa says the experience was fun and one that I will treasure forever”.
Zokufa represented Mzansi in the global pageant with contestants from 88 other countries in Miami, Florida in the US last weekend.
I had so much fun and made many great memories with likeminded girls from all over the world. I was motivated by so many of them because, like me, they want to make a difference,” says Zokufa.
The 23-year-old from Port Elizabeth was crowned Miss SA when Rolene Strauss won Miss World in December.
I wasn’t as prepared as the other girls because this is all new to me. But the other ladies were very supportive and they helped me get ready and prepared,” she said.
Zokufa said having her parents with her on tour was the highlight of the pageant. It’s not everyday that a parent flies to Miami to watch their daughter take part in such a pageant. Regardless of the fact that I didn’t win, I could see the pride on their faces. I could see them in the crowd and that was the icing on the cake, she said.
Rooming with Miss Nigeria Queen Celestine, who won Miss Personality, was also an added bonus for Zokufa. Miss Nigeria was the best roommate I have ever had. We once went out to sing karaoke and had so much fun. I also became very close to Miss Singapore Rathi Menon, who has promised to visit Cape Town soon,” she said.