DURBAN - A Pinetown resident who is a semifinalist in the Miss Teen Universe South Africa 2022 hopes her presence will influence the youth to be proud of their skin colour.
Mayenziwe Ngcobo,19, also known as Yenzi, will be competing for a spot against 64 finalists from different provinces at Coastlands Hotel in Musgrave this Sunday.
Ngcobo said she started modelling in 2019 when she was in Grade 10 and has not looked back.
When she is not perfecting her catwalk activities she is focused on her Information Technology studies at Richfield College.
“I got involved in this pageant because I felt like there is more for me. I want to show the young generation that modelling is not about the colour of their skin or skin blemishes or how they look physically. It is all about embracing and accepting being different in who you are, being confident and full of fulfilment,” said Ngcobo.
She said she was grateful for the support her family has shown her from the beginning of her love for beauty pageants. She was grateful to have been groomed by Shaun Stander.
“I come from a loving and supporting family of seven. I am the first princess out of my five siblings. My family has been supporting each and everyone of us.”
She said her inspiration in life would be to care less about others, acceptance and to be happy. The lessons and experience gave her the motivation to better herself. As a result, she has become her own coach.
“I am a bubbly teenage girl whose always full of energy. I make sure I always have a smile on my face. I am a beautiful young lady whose not only smart but also goal driven and passionate about helping people.
“My hope in this competition is to show young girls that you can achieve and accomplish whatever you want.
“I hope to be a role model to young girls and encourage them to keep their heads up high.”
Ngcobo said it would mean a lot to her if she won the crown because it had been her dream.
“I know that the title will not only open doors for me, but groom the young generation as well.”
Daily News