Miss Venda Pride Queen plus-size remains an inspiration to many

More than six months have passed since Nthuseni Muvhulawa, a chemical engineering student at Vhembe TVET College, was crowned Miss Venda Pride Queen of the Plus Size at the White House in Tshirolwe Nzhelele, and she has since become an inspiration to many.

Hailing from Maniini village outside Thohoyandou, Muvhulawa describes herself as caring, vibrant, ambitious, confident, and compassionate. “I believe that every part of who I am and everything I went through in life has prepared me for this amazing journey,” Muvhulawa shared enthusiastically. Her venture into the world of modelling began in 2020, inspired by her friend Zelda Mutshotsho, who encouraged her to enter pageants. Despite initial challenges as a plus-size model, including encountering unfairness and body shaming in competitions dominated by slender models, Muvhulawa persevered with unwavering support from her mother.

“I had some challenges at the beginning as a plus-size model; however, my mother’s encouragement kept me going. She always said not to give up and to keep trying in different pageants,” Muvhulawa recalled.

Grateful for her parents’ support, Muvhulawa aims to inspire young girls to pursue their dreams fearlessly and embrace their futures with confidence. “My goal is to excel in all areas of life, making a positive impact and contributing to a better world. Initially, coping with the pressures of being new to the industry was challenging, but now, I am enjoying every moment of this journey,” she said.

Reflecting on her aspirations, Muvhulawa emphasised the importance of education in her career path. “Beauty without brains is worthless. Education is crucial as it opens doors for us,” she said. She added that her family served as her primary motivation.

“For me, it’s not just about the competition or winning the crown; it’s about authenticity, seizing every experience, and cherishing memories that will last a lifetime,” Muvhulawa said. She encouraged others not to let fear hold them back from stepping out of their comfort zones as such moments often lead to extraordinary opportunities.

Date:29 June 2024

By: Maanda Bele

Maanda  Bele, born and raised in Nzhelele Siloam, studied journalism at the Tshwane University of Technology.

He is passionate about current news and international affairs.

He worked as part of the Zoutnet team as an intern in 2017.

He is currently a freelance journalist specialising in news from the Vhembe district.

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