An Ilitha Park beauty queen says entering pageants can help boost confidence and build stronger citizens.
Miss Teen SA 23/24 Iminathi Dondolo, 18, was adjudicating in a Miss and Mr Linge Primary School pageant in Nyanga last Friday.
Speaking to Vukani, Ms Dondolo said she advocated against violence towards women and children, education for young people, and inclusion in pageants.
She hailed the teaching staff at Linge Primary for hosting the pageant.
“I am here to encourage the young people to enter the pageants. This is a Heritage Month, and the pageant should form part of heritage. In fact it is heritage itself. What I am seeing here is more than beautiful.”
She said pageants value diversity and children should be encouraged from lower grades to be part of such events as they help to build confidence and knowledge.
“Pageants should be part of our education. This is where we are allowed to be inclusive. Look at the confidence shown by these young girls and boys. They will become strong citizens and form a stronger community. With what they are doing and their education they are going far,” said Ms Dondolo, who runs a foundation called Small Steps To Change.
Teacher Thobisa Silwane-Mtirara was excited to see her pupils show their talent in front of the full school hall and Ms Dondolo.
“Pageant is another skill in education so it must be encouraged,” she said.
The day was also graced by parents who could not stop shouting and ululating.
Parent Zukiswa Matona hailed the children’s confidence and wished them well in future. “I have never seen such confidence in young people. I pray for them to grow like this and to have a brighter future,” she said.
