Brookdale resident, Azanda Mfeka, 11, was recently crowned Miss Durban Junior Queen 2024 after winning the coveted title at the finales which took place at Albany Hotel on Saturday, 6 July.
The pageant, Miss Durban is headed by Nqobile Zulu and focuses on empowering the youth so they can be the best version of themselves by knowing who they are, what they stand for, and the value they hold as young individuals. The pageant also encourages the youth to learn the importance of setting goals and being independent.
Mfeka, who is a Grade 6 learner at Greenbury Primary School, said she is excited about her big win and has learned a lot during the pageant. “I was a finalist of Miss Durban Junior since December 2023 and I’m so excited about winning the title. Miss Durban 2024 had four categories namely – junior, pre-teen, teen, and miss. I competed against three other talented contestants and was given tasks to get involved in charity work,” said Mfeka.
The young pageant queen said she donated clothes to less fortunate children, making an impactful change in society.
“I live under the motto ‘When you start loving yourself, life starts loving you too’. In my journey of being a finalist in the Miss Durban 2024 pageant, I learned a lot of things such as confidence, working together with others, and the importance of giving back to those who are needy. When I was involved in charity work, during the pageant, I learned how to give when you have something that you no longer use or need, while it is still in good condition,” she said.
Mfeka said that her crowning was a dream come true for her. “Through the Miss Durban platform, I will fulfill my dream of going back to my hometown in eMbongolwane, eShowe, during the holidays to teach young girls how to model as they do not have opportunities like us here in Durban. Modeling will teach you how to be confident, have a high self-esteem and most importantly it teaches you that it does not matter where you come from, you can achieve anything that you put your mind on,” said Mfeka.
Mfeka’s mom, Mrs HF Ntuli, said: “Keep on shining my little angel, your mom is so proud of you. I will always be behind you and I wish to thank your dad for also believing in your talent. Thank you Sompisi. Last but not least, I thank everyone who was there to support us during the finale, may God almighty bless you all.”
