Zozibini Tunzi made a definite impression on Nompumelelo Maduna when they met for the first time in 2019. The occasion was the photoshoot of that year’s Miss South Africa Top 35 where both were announced as semi-finalists. That year Tunzi was crowned Miss South Africa 2019 and went on to take the Miss Universe crown; Maduna went on to make the Top 5.
Recalls Maduna: “Even then she had a pure and calm energy surrounding her. At the first meeting, Zozi seemed to be quite conservative and the first thing you noticed was her beautiful smile. She definitely had a presence.”
Twenty-eight-year-old Maduna – who comes from Rockville in Soweto – has entered the Miss South Africa competition again this year and made the Top 30. Although only five years have passed, Maduna says it feels like a lifetime ago.
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“So much has evolved with this incredible organisation. It feels like longer than five years but my determination to take the crown hasn’t changed. I have always dreamt of becoming a Miss South Africa; the empowering women who have worn the crown have inspired me to one day walk in their shoes.
“Bokang (Montjane, Miss South Africa 2010) gave us a talk as 2019 semi-finalists and left such an impression when she said ‘giving back is the best selfish act of kindness’. This resonated with me so much and I converted it into action through community engagement. Now being in the Top 30 means that I have an opportunity to write a new chapter that is championed by a deeper purpose – to empower young women of South Africa,” she says.
Maduna says both she and the Miss South Africa Organisation have developed in half a decade.
“The Miss South Africa Organisation has enhanced its impact by reaching a more diverse group of women, which allows for a bigger community impact which is also more sustainable. It has broken many of the pageant stereotypes that have existed in the world for decades. It has redefined wearing the crown through actioned strategies that really make a difference. It is such a privilege to be part of it once again.”
Mpume – as she is known by her friends – says she has also grown.
“I think this time around I really know who I am as a person. I want to show my authentic and true self, which includes being vulnerable. I’ve dedicated the last five years to personal development; running charitable activations, pursuing my Master’s in Marketing at the University of Johannesburg and working closely with young women to assist with access to higher education and career opportunities.”
Maduna is still close friends with 2019 Top 35 contestant Zanele Phakathi: “We bonded and it’s not only because we both were representing Soweto! She is now working in the tech space; I love to watch my girl grow. I hope that she might decide to enter Miss South Africa again, too.”
Download the Miss South Africa app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.
Viewers will get to meet the finalists in Crown Chasers, the thrilling reality TV show which introduces South African viewers to those vying to take the crown from the current incumbent, Natasha Joubert. The six-part series starts on S3 on June 29, 2024, at 20h30.
Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with Sun International.
Go to:
https://www.misssa.co.za
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissSouthAfricaOfficial
Twitter: @Official_MissSA
Instagram: @official_misssa
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MissSouthAfricaOfficial
Download the Miss South Africa App from the Apple App Store or Google Play store
