Ntwanano crowned winner of 1st annual Miss Tshiphuseni pageant

Read: 2367

Nineteen-year-old Ntwanano Florencia Baloyi from Hamasia Vhangani emerged as the winner of the first annual Miss Tshiphuseni 2023/24 beauty pageant, held at Masia village on 9 December.

Ntwanano, a Grade 12 learner at Maligana Wilson Secondary School, said that winning the competition had boosted her morale and given her the wings to reach for the stars. She was also declared Miss Entrepreneurship Majesty and received a prize of R1,000. Her first princess, Thuso Nethononda, received R600, while the second princess, Akonaho Makahane, left with R400.

Miss Teen Queen was won by Tshifhiwa Masindi. Walutendo Kutama was voted Miss Personality, and Mulavhelesi Makhwana was voted as Miss Public Choice.

Reflecting on her journey, Ntwanano shared, “I started my modelling career in 2014 when I was in Grade 4 and used to participate in arts and culture competitions for schools. I only realised my potential in 2019 when one of my teachers at Mudinane Secondary School encouraged me to enter a local pageant because she believed that I could be a model. I started entering more local pageants, even though I didn’t really believe in myself. I managed to win a few of these competitions. Winning this competition really means a lot to me. It shows that I have improved along the way as an upcoming model. I would like to see myself winning the Miss SA title. Former Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida, who is from my village, has been a great inspiration to me. Owning a modelling agency and organisation one day that can assist up-and-coming models, especially from disadvantaged communities, would be a dream come true for me,” she said.

The organiser of the Miss Tshiphuseni pageant, Nakisani Munarini, expressed satisfaction with the event. “This is our first try, and all went beyond our expectations. Our sincere gratitude goes to all our sponsors who ensured that the event was a success. We are hoping for an even better and improved event next year,” she said.

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.