Miss Soweto 2022 Press Release
Date: 21 Oct 2022
#MissSoweto2022 is here!
Twenty young hopefuls are setting their sights on the coveted crown
SOWETO (JOHANNESBURG), – Springtime means that one of the favourite events on the South African social calendar, the Miss Soweto Pageant, is back - and 20 eager hopefuls are inching closer to the coveted crown. These are the finalists who will take to the stage of the Soweto Theatre on 26 November to compete for the titles of #MissSoweto2022, First Princess, Second Princess, Miss Personality, Miss Photogenic and People’s Choice Award.
“The Miss Soweto pageant has had a dedicated following since it was launched in 1979,” says Mokhele Makhothi, Marketing Manager of White Star Super Maize Meal, the headline sponsor of the event.
“This fabulous annual gala, which kicks off the festive season, is a celebration of beauty, grace, determination and confidence – and has propelled many talented beauties to local and international stardom. These include such renowned household names as Basetsana Kumalo, Miss Soweto title holder in 1990 who was later crowned Miss South Africa in 1994 and went on to win Miss World Second Princess in the same year; Augustine Masilela-Chuene who won Miss Soweto in 1987 and was a runner-up to Miss South Africa in 1992 and a semi-finalist in the Miss Universe pageant in 1995; Lerato Kganyago, deejay and media personality, who won the Miss Soweto title in 2005.”
These and all of the other award winners are, he says, worthy examples of the spirit of Soweto, which is characterised by a bold, can-do attitude. They are self-starters who have used the opportunity Miss Soweto has presented them with to create public profiles, build successful careers and, above all, to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
“The pageant is all about giving Sowetan women a platform to be bold, to take charge of their own lives, and to be a force for good in the community in which they live,” he says.
The 20 finalists will go through a series of workshops to equip them for the responsibility that comes with winning this title, including enhancing their fashion and beauty knowledge, understanding of diversity and inclusion, social media etiquette, commitment to social responsibility, and the finer points of etiquette and professionalism. It’s the treat of a lifetime for the participants and, for many, a life-changing experience.
The reigning Miss Soweto, Ludina Ngwenya, who hails from Meadowlands, says that winning the title was a personal turning point for her and that her year-long reign has helped her to create a solid foundation on which to build a bright future.
“Being Miss Soweto has given me opportunities I could only have dreamed of before,” she says. “It has enabled me to interact with people from all walks of life and to develop many of my talents and interests,” she says. “I encourage this year’s finalists to embrace this chance to define their own unique path.”
As always, community involvement is an intrinsic part of the event and White Star will invite fans around the country to help choose the winner of the People’s Choice Award. Voting will open on 26 October and close on 25 November, giving everyone a chance to make their selection.
To take part and vote for your favourite contestant, simply text ‘Hi’ to the WhatsApp number 073 065 1066 or click through to the White Star online voting platform at https://wa.me/27730651066?text=Hi– and remember to include the number allocated to your choice. Fans can vote up to five times per unique cellphone number.