15-year-old Kimberley beauty queen Unamandla Vilakazi flew South Africa’s flag high and was crowned the third runner-up at the International Miss Teen Mundial 2023 beauty pageant in Curaçao on the weekend.
MISS Teen Mundial SA 2023, Unamandla Vilakazi from Kimberley, flew her country’s flag high and was crowned the third runner-up at the International Miss Teen Mundial 2023 beauty pageant in Curaçao on the weekend.
The confident 15-year-old beauty made her mark as the youngest finalist during the prestigious pageant that ran from September 24 to 30.
Unamandla and her crew formed part of the eventful pageant in Curaçao, an island in the Caribbean Sea and a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where she competed with teen beauty queens from 30 other countries.
Unamandla was also recognised for being the first South African to have ever visited the Curaçao Parliament. The visit was part of the Young Queen’s programme.
Unamandla expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support from her country and Province, as well as the sponsorships, that she received throughout her journey.
She also acknowledged her family and her delegation, which included her coaches, make-up artists and outfit designers, as well as government departments and private businesses for “having her back” throughout the process.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Almighty for granting me the opportunity to realise my dream of participating in the world’s foremost teen pageant,” said Unamandla after the event.
“My heartfelt appreciation goes out to Miss Teen Mundial South Africa for their unwavering belief in me and entrusting me to represent their esteemed brand.
“Curaçao and the Miss Teen Mundial family have made this experience an indelible chapter in my life.
“To my cherished homeland, fellow contestants and supporters, your unwavering cheers and late-night flag waving have filled my heart with pride and gratitude.
“This crown is not mine alone, it belongs to each one of us. Kealeboga. May God bless you all.”
Unamandla will be arriving back home in Kimberley on Wednesday, October 4.
