Meet Miss Zululand 2015
We got the low-down on what makes our current Miss Zululand, Melanie Barnes tick.
WITH stage presence second to none and undoubtedly one of the crowd favourites, there was no question why the judges decided to crown Melanie Barnes Miss Zululand at last weekend’s Trade Fair2015.
We linked up with her to find out what makes her tick.
ZO: Tell us more about yourself.
M: I am a 20-year-old young lady from Ngwelezane who treasures the core values of humanity. Although introverted, those close to me would describe me as a model by night and freak tomboy by day. I am also responsible, hardworking, persistent and courageous – but feisty.
ZO: What was the first thing that came to mind when you were announced as the winner?
M: Besides my silent prayer, it had to be my mom. Throughout my modelling career she has remained my number one supporter. As a single parent, she has made great sacrifices for my sister and I, and I am eternally grateful.
ZO: What are you studying and what’s your ambition?
M: I’m currently a second-year Commercial Law student, and I hope to one day be a world-renowned advocate, chartered accountant or businesswoman.
ZO: If you must be remembered for one thing during your reign, what would it be?
M: Purpose. It would be an accomplishment and justification of my reign for people to look at me and think, ‘She looks like she accepts herself’.
ZO: If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
M: Tata Nelson Mandela. I have the utmost respect for him and found him rather intriguing.
Fun facts about Melanie
ZO: Winter or summer?
M: Winter, I’m a winter baby after all.
ZO: Hotel or camping?
M: Camping most definitely. Adventure gives me an adrenalin rush.
ZO: Day or night?
M: Night…it is not the darkness we fear, it’s the light within us which most frightens us.
ZO: Books or movie?
M: Books! It’s all in the details.
ZO: Complete the following sentence. For once in my life…
M: I’ve experienced overwhelming humbleness and true acceptance.
ZO: My dream for Zululand?
M: For our people to understand and embrace our richness in history and culture, value the essence of what we represent, uplift and empower each other, but more importantly, always remember the strength we possess in unity.
