Mrs SA semi-finalist has charitable heart

AT only 25 years of age, local beauty Skhulile Masuku has already chosen to dedicate her life to charity work, her family and uplifting rural youth in Zululand.

So it should come as no surprise that she was selected as one of 55 semi-finalists nationwide for the Mrs South Africa title.

Born and raised in Mtubatuba, the wife and mother of a five-year-old son moved to Richards Bay, but continues to work at her home town’s award-winning non-profit Impucuko Early Childhood Development Centre.

Putting her Information Technology (IT) qualifications to good use, Skhulile also recently co-founded the Ithubalakho Foundation with her sister – an educational centre to assist young scholars with their homework and computer skills.

‘I like to focus on the general caring of children affected by poverty and who can’t afford education,’ said Skhulile.

‘Being an IT specialist, I’d like to equip them with the necessary knowledge and computer skills to enjoy a bright future.’

The pageant is a significant sponsor of the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), so she has also enjoyed getting more involved at Cansa Uthungulu.

‘I’ve learnt so much about the important work they do in assisting cancer patients and raising awareness of the disease, so I’m excited to start generating funds for the organisation.’

Anticipating the announcement of the 22 finalists for Mrs SA on 12 April, Skhulile said she remains nervous, but confident after attending a one-day workshop for the semi-finalists at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.

‘At first I entered the pageant to give myself a confidence boost, but then I realised how this opportunity is a wonderful platform for me to do what I already do (charity work) on a much bigger scale.

‘This is why it is important to me.’