Kimberley-born Miss Pre-Teen South Africa, Manqoba Vilakazi, 13, is jetting off to Colombia to represent South Africa at the Mini Universe beauty pageant at the end of the month.
KIMBERLEY-born Miss Pre-Teen South Africa, Manqoba Vilakazi, 13, is jetting off to Colombia to represent South Africa at the Mini Universe beauty pageant at the end of the month.
The event will be hosted in the city of Bogota.
Manqoba was crowned Miss Pre-teen Universe South Africa at the national pageant in March this year.
The prestigious ceremony was held at the iZulu Theatre at the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom in Durban.
Manqoba said the pageant has created a broader platform for her to continue with her advocacy on autism, thus creating more awareness and education.
“The platform will be beneficial to those who are often not understood, especially in underprivileged communities,” she said.
Manqoba’s mother, Onalenna, said she is proud of her daughter and expressed her appreciation to those who supported her dream.
“I am quite humbled by Manqoba’s journey and grateful to all for their prayers and messages of support throughout her journey,” she said.
Manqoba’s campaign manager, Benjamin Tshabile, also shared his pride and joy.
“I am proud of her for coming this far. It has been an incredibly long and beautiful journey.
“The journey continues in Colombia,” Tshabile added.
“What I can say . . . here we come. I am very proud and hope that we bring the crown back to the Province and the country.”
