EC beauties hope to bring home new crowning glory
TWO Eastern Cape beauties are among the 12 young women who are hoping to be the first to wear the new crown when Miss South Africa is crowned later today.
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) students Luyolo Mngonyama, 24, of Mthatha, and Mikaela Oosthuizen, 20, of Humerail, are both hoping they will be the ones to bring the crown to the Eastern Cape.
The new Jack Friedman Jewellers crown – of silver and sugilite (a purple stone sold as the stone of love), amethyst and quartz crystals – includes an infinity sign to symbolise the extent and ongoing nature of Miss South Africa’s role. It is called Enhle, which means “beautiful one” in isiZulu.
Suzette van der Merwe, a former Miss SA who is now managing executive of the Cell C Foundation, said the names of all the former Miss South Africas would be engraved on the crown “so the history of Miss South Africa over the decades carries on through this crown”.
Oosthuizen, who is studying towards a BA in public relations management, previously told Weekend Post what she would do if she won.
“My main social cause is that of education because it creates a sense of dignity and self-value that very few other things can. My focus is specifically on students at university level.”
Mngonyama said she wanted to change mind sets and attitudes.
“I want young girls everywhere to know that it is not about where you come from but where you’re going.”
Miss South Africa takes place at Carnival City today and will be televised on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) and Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) from 5pm to 7pm.