Empangeni beauty makes Miss SA semi-finals

FROM the suburbs of Empangeni, to the runway of Miss South Africa, Sihle Makhanya (23) has made it through as a semi-finalists of 2015’s pageant.

Inspired by Miss SA 2008 winner, Tatum Keshwar, the Panorama beauty says she gained a lot of knowledge in the industry after meeting Keshwar.

‘I met her during my matric year when I was at a low point in my life. She spoke about positivity, which changed how I looked at myself as a woman,’ said Sihle.

‘She empowered me and that is how a Miss South Africa should be. I doubt she remembers this incident, but I do – and that’s the impact I’d like to have on young girls.

‘We need to start believing that we are more than beautiful. We are smart, driven and world-changers. The potential we have is unbelievable!’ she said.

A patriot and lover of people, Sihle is adamant about wanting to give back.

‘I am excited to work with the different charities that the Miss South Africa organisation deals with, but I’d also like to use this platform as a voice for the community and focus on being the voice for the voiceless,’

A junior quantity surveyor technician intern for Makhanya’s Services, Sihle is currently completing her quantity surveyor diploma.

Raised in a big family, Sihle says her parents have played a vital part in shaping her mentality.

‘My dad is in construction and my mom is a recently retired teacher. Using their skills, they have helped build a primary school for children in a rural area of eShowe.

‘Their actions have shown me that you do not need a lot to make a difference in a person’s life,’ she said.

A Zulu at heart, Sihle enjoys a homemade meal of tripe with amadombolo (dumplings) or jeqe (traditional Zulu bread).