Twelve hopeful young ladies have been selected as finalists in the Miss Port Edward Pageant set to take place in December.
The winner of this coveted title will be crowned at the Wild Coast Sun on 4 December ahead of the festive season. South Africa’s Ultimate Top Model 2021 winner, pageant founder, and South Coast local model, Mimi Qatsi, said: “Miss Port Edward is all about setting a platform for youngsters to discover themselves and play positive roles in our society. Teaching young ladies about leadership is something that has been lacking in our society and with this pageant we will educate our lovely young ladies about being the future leaders in society.” Qatsi recently partnered with various sponsors for the pageant and was pleased to announce that the winner will walk away with a prize to the value of R180 000 (business in a box) sponsored by R4A Waste Management. “My gratitude goes out to community members who are supporting us by voting for the girls and our sponsors for their contribution towards this pageant,” said Qatsi.
As a qualifier, the 12 finalists have already attended a waste management class that focuses on teaching the young ladies entrepreneurial skills. Fourteen-year-old Siphokazi Nhlumayo, Winner of the Public Choice Award, has firmly secured her place in the top four and says she is ecstatic at the prospect of winning. “It feels amazing and exciting to have been selected in the top four. The competition is tough but my mom keeps me motivated and with the support and love I have received from everyone around me, I feel like a winner already,” said the Nombuso High School learner. Mbali Nhlumayo, Siphokazi’s mom, said: “No number of words can express my feelings over the fact that my daughter has come this far. As a mom I am beyond proud. Even if she does not bring home the crown – reaching this far in the competition is a win for us.” Next on the itinerary for the young ladies is a clean-up programme for International Clean-up Day on 18 September. Qatsi has extended an invite to all eco-activists to join the finalists for a beach clean-up programme at the Wild Waves Waterpark in Wild Coast Sun on 18 September at 9am. Strict Covid-19 protocols will be followed on the day.
