Top marks for Empangeni beauty
DUSCHANKA HITZEROTH speaks to Top 5 Miss South Africa finalist, Sihle Makhanya.
HOMEGROWN beauty Sihle Makhanya won the hearts of television viewers across the country and had the full support of Zululanders during the finale of the Miss South Africa on Sunday evening.
The 23-year-old Empangeni beauty made it to the top five and said the experience had changed her mindset.
In an exclusive interview with the Zululand Observer after the pageant, Sihle said it was a surreal moment.
‘I was so excited on Sunday night. When you have been working so hard to achieve something and it finally happens, it is just unreal.
‘When I heard my name, I was thrilled, but the nerves also kicked in with having to answer those questions.
‘I cannot pinpoint one specific highlight of the entire experience. It has, however, changed my outlook on life.
‘I had entered with a clear objective, and I have now learnt that you should never limit yourself. Also, I now know that my community needs me,’ Sihle said.
‘Yes, the title would have been a bonus, but I am still committed to empowering young women. I have been working with the uThungulu District Mayor and First Lady Thembeka Mchunu to raise funds for young girls to attend university.
‘The whole reason for entering the competition was to empower women through education, because knowledge is liberation.’
From here on out, Sihle said she will continue to do charity work and intends to use this platform as much as she can to do more and give back to the community.
‘I encourage every young girl from Zululand to go for it. They must not doubt themselves and allow where they come from to be a hindrance. I hope through me they will see that anything is achievable through hard work.’
Pageant
Sihle said she had formed lifelong friends on this journey and was incredibly happy for crowned winner Liesl Laurie.
‘All the girls are truly amazing and it really was anyone’s game, but it was meant to be Liesl’s crown.
‘Before the crowning, we all hugged each other in anticipation and were genuinely supportive and happy for each other for having made it so far.’ she said.
