The founder of the Miss Ziyahlolwa Intombi Beauty Pageant, Onguye Ukumkanikazi Kama, said they had hosted the beauty pageant with the aim of keeping girls who are members of Intombi zenkciyo (girls who undergo virginity testing), busy.
“This event was held at Umtata Art Centre. Recently we have noticed that these girls have nothing to do on this day, and this leads some of them to do things which lead them to fall pregnant. Some of them drink alcohol because they think that they are celebrating Youth Day.
“By doing this we are trying to keep them busy on this day, so that they must not have time to do things that will put their lives in danger,” said Kama.
She confirmed that they are planning to do this annually.
Kama added that the attendees were from Mbhashe Local Municipality and in OR Tambo District.
According to her, this pageant was divided into three categories.
She said there were three categories, Tiny-ziyahlolwa for girls aged 8 to 11, Ziyahlolwa Junior for girls aged 12 to 15, and Ziyahlolwa for girls aged 16 to 19.
The Queen of Ziyahlolwa, Latita Sigola (17), said she was very happy when her name was announced.
“I entered Ibuyambo Yamampondo Beauty Pageant that was held in Libode, last year. I did not win but I told myself that I would work very hard this year. I am very happy that I managed to make it, especially since it was for the first time this pageant was held, meaning I am the first queen of Zihlolwa Intombi,” said Sigola.
She advised her peers to ensure that they do not throw in the towel if they did not win, because there is always a second time.
Linamandla Jovuka (14), who won Ziyahlolwa Junior, said she was very surprised, because she never thought she would win this pageant.
She said that she wants to be a doctor one day.
