The pageant is looking for a teen with a kind heart and good deeds, and Kariega’s Khazimla Witbooi has a heart of gold.
Miss Golden Heart South Africa is a national pageant founded by Isipho Madondile-Wanga at 19, five years ago. The pageant’s mission is to create opportunities, and provide a platform for those in need of showcasing their talents, moulding and guiding aspiring models.
The 14-year-old Riebeek College Girls’ High School hopeful, Witbooi, has been selected as one of 38 finalists, and believes she has everything it takes to make it to the top. Witbooi is a Trish’s Modelling Agency model, an agency based in Gqeberha, Despatch and Kariega.
“I decided to enter this competition late December last year, as I have seen what the platform can do with promoting young ambitious leaders, and I also wanted to boost my confidence while having a bigger platform for my advocacies which are helping the less privileged, and promoting loving your body,” she said.
“I was announced as a finalist on January 12, while at home doing some chores. I felt very happy and amazed because now I got the chance to be on a larger platform where I can let my voice be heard,” Witbooi added.
Her journey in pageantry has not been without its own challenges, but the teen is not about to give up anytime soon.
“Some of my proudest achievements are being scouted for the International Arts Talent Showcase held in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg late last year. I then got scouted for New York but owing to financial reasons, could not go. Another proud moment was when I took part in the TMA Top Model formal event which is a closed pageant for TMA Models. There I became the Miss Personality for the 13 to 15 age category title-holder. This was a proud moment for me because after so many tries of becoming a title-holder in many modelling competitions for the past three years, I finally ticked that box . I gained my confidence back and I started enjoying myself, and that’s how I got the title.”
Next up for the beauty queen are more charity drives for her community, public appearances and many more. All while balancing being a grade nine learner, for which Witbooi says she uses her time management skills, even though some days are tougher than others.
Witbooi’s biggest support system is her family, her parents and siblings mainly, because they encourage her to go after her dreams and never to give up. Her mother, Nomvula Witbooi, said, “As her parents we are happy but scared at the same time. We’re happy because she is following her dreams and scared because the industry can be very harsh sometimes.”
To anyone who might be feeling discouraged, Khazimla said, “Remember that the rejections you are getting now are a gateway to the happiness and joy you will be feeling when you look back at how far you have come.”
The Miss Golden Heart South Africa finale will be held on the October 5, in East London. “People can support me by following me on Instagram @aspiring_model_khazimla where they will find a link in my bio to vote for me, and by supporting me when I make public appearances and charity events,” Khazimla concluded.
