On the glam road from Zululand to Miss SA

EMPANGENI beauty, Sihle Makhanya (22) will join models from all over the country as they vie for the Miss South Africa 2014 crown.

The build up to the pageant starts on DSTV channel Mzansi Magic on Sunday.

There will be 12 Miss SA 2014 finalists chosen on 2 February.

Viewers can expect a host of interviews with former Miss South Africa title holders such as Melinda Bam, Cindy Nell, Basetsane Khumalo, Kerishnie Naiker and the current crowned winner, Marilyn Ramos who will discuss what is was like to win the title.

Later, the finalists will air their views on how they feel about taking part in the pageant.

Under the watchful eye of judges such as radio presenter Anele Mdoda, musician Black Coffee and magazine editor Pnina Fenster, the contestants will put their best foot forward to impress and take part in a series of events.

The challenges are aimed at testing the skills of the contestants, from cooking to dancing and this Zulu beauty can whip up any tasty traditional Zulu meal and break it down on the dance floor to some of her favourite Rihanna songs.

Not just a pretty face, Sihle is a Junior Quantity Surveyor at Makhanya’s Services and an estimator for Makhanya & Mkhumbi JV. She intends to bring back moral regeneration and the culture of Ubuntu.

‘From my experience growing up as a child, I want to remind South Africa of the spirit and culture of togetherness and Ubuntu so children will not be at such a high risk of rape. I want to remind our people that a child is raised by the nation. ‘Umuntu ungumunta ngabantu’ that is the change I want to bring about,’ she said.

11 DECEMBER 2013

Empangeni beauty in Miss SA pageant

HOMEGROWN honey Sihle Makhanya (22) will put Zululand on the map at the 2014 Miss South Africa pageant as she will be on the catwalk for the prestigious title. The Empangeni beauty lives in Panorama. She wowed the judges with her smile, personality and wit.

The ZO caught up with her for a Q & A session to learn more about what makes her tick.

What is your occupation?

I am a junior quantity surveyor at Makhanya’s Services as part of my diploma qualification requirements from Wavelength Technical Training Institute. I’m also an estimator or pricer for Makhanya and Mkhumbi JV.

Why do you want to be Miss SA and what do you think you will be able to bring to the table?

I would like to bring back moral regeneration and the culture of Ubuntu. Growing up, I was raised not only by my parents but by my neighbours and my community. When my parents weren’t around I would safely stay at my neighbour’s home and I considered them as parents to this very day. I want to remind South Africa of the spirit and culture of togetherness and Ubuntu so children will not be at such a high risk of rape. I want to remind South Africa that a child is raised by the nation. ‘Umuntu ungumunta ngabantu’ – that is what I would bring to the role.

Who of the previous Miss SA title holders has inspired you and why?

Cynthia Shange. She was the first ever Miss SA of colour to represent our country at the Miss World pageant. Her achievements have inspired me to always take the first step towards fulfilling my dreams, even though things may have seemed impossible.

Who are your role models?

My parents. My dad is in construction and my mom is a retired teacher. Using their skills, they have worked with a chief, Nkosi Mzimela, of eShowe, to help build a school for primary school children in that area. Their actions have shown me that you do not need a lot to make a difference in a person’s life. I believe that I must use my skills to help uplift those around me.

2014 is the year in which SA celebrates its 20th year of democracy. What does that mean to you?

20 years ago, I would have been regarded as the lowest in the hierarchy in society. Today I am in a male dominated industry and in the running for Miss SA. This shows how far we have come as a country. Democracy has given me the opportunity to be whatever I want regardless of my race or gender. I am very proud of my country.

What is your message to young women in South Africa?

Our beauty should get attention; our brains should keep the attention on us. Let’s use our brains to empower our country and also help highlight the misconception that women are not simply there for their beauty. We are more than that; this is our time to show it.

If you won the Miss SA crown and was able to meet one person, who would it be and why?

Winnie Madikizela Mandela. I would love to just soak up knowledge and wisdom from her.

What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

At work, I am regarded as one of the boys.

What are you reading?

The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson.

What is on your iPod?

A lot of Rihanna, Joyous Celebration and Drake.

Your favourite TV show?

Isibaya.

Your favourite meal?

Any traditional Zulu meal.