Local teenage model, Mayenziwe Ngcobo, is destined for greatness and success as she prepares for the Miss Teen Universe 2022 pageant. Hailing from Isipingo Hills, the 19-year-old is all set to take the pageant industry by storm with her bubbly effervescence, confidence and determination to bring home the crown in March 2022. Ngcobo began her modelling career when she was in Grade 10, determined to make her mark in society, she chose to get involved in pageantry straight after matriculating from Durban Academy High School on the Bluff.
She said: “I felt like I needed a voice to reach out to our youth and this was the next step for me. Getting involved in pageantry has given me the opportunity to show the younger generation that colour is merely skin deep. We must be proud of the body that we have, the colour of our skin and our cultural roots.” Ngcobo believes that accepting yourself for who you are and accepting your differences is what builds confidence and gives a person a sense of belonging. “Coming from a family of seven with five siblings, I have always had the love and support of my family. They have motivated me to reach for greater heights and to be the best I can be, no matter what I do. Look at me now, I am a finalist for such a prestigious title. I was groomed by Mr South Africa’s first prince, Shaun Stander, but I have not enrolled with a coach as I believe that my talent is something which only I can nurture.”
The young lady believes that an individual should not change who they are just to fit in. Which is why Ngcobo proudly says that she is her own coach and her family and friends are her biggest critics. “Taking a year off after school is usually frowned upon by parents but my family completely supported my decision to spend a year working with various charity organisations, non-profit organisations and taking some much-needed me time to get my head back in the game of tennis and cross-country athletics.” Although the year 2021 has been challenging for many people, Ngcobo said she witnessed first-hand the plight of the community during the Covid-19 hard lockdown and, more recently, the looting and civil unrest that affected so many communities. “I saw the needs of the community and I wanted to do my part to help those who were less fortunate than us. I joined an NPO called Wanderers Haven where we would distribute food parcels to underprivileged communities and those unfortunate people who are homeless.” She said working with the NPO was by far the most fulfilling act of kindness that any human can display. “I wish to inspire and motivate more members of our youth to get involved in community projects and to give a voice to those who have been previously silenced. I wish to continue my work with as many NPOs as possible so that I may give back to my people who have little to nothing in life.” With her feet firmly on the ground, this young lady is paving her way to success one step at a time.
