This year’s Miss South Africa beauty pageant might be at its earliest stages, but plenty of hopeful ladies are already putting their names up for the top crown.
This year’s pageant should surely be a spectacle considering that last year’s winner Zozibini Tunzi went on to claim the Miss Universe crown, in what would be a glorious year for South Africa on the global stage. One such hopeful is Nobantu Gumbi from Kwa-Thema, and she spared a moment to talk to Izibele Maloyi.
Take us through your life journey and what made you decide to enter Miss SA.
NG: I have always wanted to be in a platform to inspire young kids, whether it is through coding and mathematics or being a hairstylist. So I am happy when I get platforms like YouTube and Miss SA to show girls that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. (I’m also happy to show them) that the colour of your skin or your hair, and that even your background, does not define you. I am an example. I am following my dreams and spreading my message, and so can anyone!
What does it mean to you to be Miss SA?
NG: It’s really a chance to honour and celebrate women, and to also inspire young girls.
You’re representing Kwa-Thema, how hard do you think it will be for you to carry those hopes on your shoulders?
NG: I am blessed to represent Kwa-Thema and no matter how far I go, I just hope that their take is that I took the first step and represented them as best as I [could].
Do you feel Zozibini’s achievements have added more pressure to wearing the SA top crown?
NG: No. I think it has actually opened up more doors and changed the ‘you-need-to-be-a-certain-person’ narrative. Her achievements send a clear message that you just need to be yourself, and that is enough.
In light of recent events, what’s your take on social media’s influence on the race for the crown?
NG: I think social media opens a lot more doors. I mean I wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to get this interview [laughs].
Tell us more about what you stand for as a woman.
NG: I believe women are powerful, and in order to conquer everything they put their mind to, women should know their self-worth and capabilities.
Little brown girls will be watching the pageant with added belief that a Miss SA (and even a Miss Universe) can be of their colour. Do you think it’s fair to say that we have levelled the playing field when it comes to pageants and the modelling industry as a whole?
NG: Yes, definitely! I think it has given more young girls more courage to enter the industry, and they are reminded that they are beautiful.
Why should people vote for you? What makes you ‘the one’?
NG: I have not gotten into the voting stage yet, but I am about to write my own story that will inspire and celebrate women to fulfil their full potential.
* Follow Nobantu’s journey to the top on her social media platforms;
Twitter @NobantuTheBrand
Instagram @NobantuTheBrand
YouTube Nobantu The Brand
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