Bay youngsters clinch crowns at Miss Teen Universe SA Minis 2024
Three Nelson Mandela Bay beauty princesses are polishing their best looks as they prepare to replicate their domestic success in South America later this year after taking the national pageant scene by storm.
The trio from Kwazakhele, KwaDwesi and Motherwell clinched coveted crowns at the Miss Teen Universe SA Minis 2024 in Durban last week to qualify for the global parade.
Minentle Sondzaba showed a sparkle beyond her tender years to edge fellow contestants aged four to seven to the Miss Baby Universe SA title at the Miss Teen Universe SA competition, comprising various age categories.
Kungawo Mpini strutted confidently to Miss Mini World SA stardom in the “mini” category for contestants aged eight to 10.
Beating others in the 12-14 age section for preteens, Lwazikazi Johannes was crowned Miss Mini Grand SA.
Minentle, 7, will now hoist the SA flag high in Colombia in June, while Kungawo, 9, jets off to the Dominican Republic in October, and Lwazikazi, 14, a month earlier in September, to El Salvador, all eyeing even more success at the corresponding worldwide competitions.
Miss Teen Universe SA national director Ntombifuthi Gumede said the Eastern Cape had justly produced three winners at the February 18 event, following a rigorous journey.
“They each took on charity and community work during their pageant journeys,” Gumede said.
“There were sports and talent challenges, interviews with the judges and an overall stage performance.
“The three girls did outstandingly well, showing talent throughout the activities.”
Gumede hailed the maiden instalment of the Miss Teen Universe SA Minis as a success after drawing the participation of more than 20 contestants from all nine provinces.
Miss Teen Universe SA is in its sixth year.
“Miss Teen Universe SA Minis is a new edition under that [umbrella after] buying franchisee [licences] from eight different mini international pageants,” Gumede said.
“They are Mini Universe, Mini World, Mini Model World, Mini International, Mini Earth, Mini Global, Mini Supranational and Mini Grand.”
Minentle’s mother, Weziwe, marvelled at her daughter’s success after the fledgling future beauty queen added to the Little Miss PE/Gqeberha and Little Miss Eastern Cape wins she had claimed last year.
“She started modelling at the age of five, and the first competition she entered was the Miss Eastern Cape Primary Schools pageant in 2022,” Weziwe said.
“A special thanks to Sophisticate Models for paving the way for her journey.
“And, most importantly, a big thank you to the Kungawo Mpini Foundation for the mentoring, coaching and guidance, resulting in this special achievement for [Minentle].”
Kungawo Mpini director and Kungawo’s mother, Asanda, worked with all three girls to prepare them for the Durban outing.
“I prepare them for local and national pageants, taking them through workshops, inductions, leadership skills, training and public speaking,” she said.
“I identify areas of improvement for each, involving parents to ensure they excel in aspects like time management and leadership to go with their already impressive stage performances.”
Lwazikazi’s mother, Ntombokuzola, said she had big dreams for the Kabega Christian School grade 9 pupil.
“I knew she’d bring something home because she’s well trained and has attended modelling classes since she was two.
“She was eight when she took part in her first pageant.
“It has moulded her so much that she’s gained confidence and self-love.
“That made her motivate other children to believe in themselves.
“She [has what it takes] to be the next Zozibini Tunzi,” the proud mother said.