A resident of Marcus Garvey in Philippi East has decided to dust off her high heels and enter a beauty pageant as a way to inspire young girls.

Now 35 years old, Sinethemba Nondala first took part in a beauty pageant, Miss Clanwilliam Secondary, at the age of 18.

She is currently representing the Western Cape in a national pageant known as Miss Stellar World South Africa, which will see its winner represent South Africa at Miss Stellar World international in Atlanta, USA.

She is one of the finalists hoping to take the crown home in Bloemfontein on Saturday April 6.

Ms Nondala decided to participate this year to inspire young girls. “Pageantry is and has always been a passion for me as it is not just about beauty and walks but also sharpens one’s self-esteem and challenges thinking and reasoning capacity. It keeps one on your toes and involved. Sadly, I could not continue with it as I was coming from a disadvantaged home where I had no support or money to finance my needs in this regard and many socio-economy challenges. There was a time when I thought I would be a Miss South Africa, but luckily for me, I still have a chance to relive that dream by becoming a Mrs South Africa,” she said.

Ms Nondala is also a member of the SA National Defence Force and works as an entrance controller at an airforce base.

She said she is enjoying being back on the pageant stage.

“I am really excited about this. I really want to win so that I can work to give back to families that are less fortunate. Pageants give you the opportunity to be known. Once you are known, people are more likely or more eager to work with you. What I inspire to do should I win the pageant is to find a way of empowering people about compassion, generosity, humility, most importantly about self-acceptance and self-love as this is my platform in the pageant and believe that our communities and the world at large would be a better place with these qualities being shown and known. I also planning to start a youth foundation where it will inspire young people to live life to the best of their abilities with no limitations, taking pride in who they are and where they come from, prioritising their mental, physical health and protecting their peace at all costs,” she said.

For Ms Nondala to win she will need your votes. You can vote her using the voting code at FNB: MSWSA 06/24.

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Philippi East resident puts best foot forward