The Miss Soweto 2023 finalists were revealed in an intimate media experience that was also live streamed to audiences who could not be in attendance. The event was hosted by former Miss SA Liesl Laurie- Mthombeni.Iconic beauty queen Augustine Masilela-Chuene, who started her journey in the public eye as
Miss Soweto in 1987, joined this year’s finalists as they made their first media appearance in Parktown, Johannesburg. Masilela-Chuene, who went on to compete at Miss SA and Miss Universe, was joined by Sowetan editor Nwabisa Makunga, songbird Azana and flutist Khanyisile Mthetwa at the event. Miss Soweto 2021 Ludina Ngwenya and current title-holder Tsakane Sono were also in attendance.Also on the
panel were Dr Ntsiki Molefe-Osman, a holistic wellness expert and Nomusa Mlambo, a financial expert, the event served as an empowerment experience for the top 19 finalists, where the all-female panel discussed issues of finance, mental health and identity.“I had tried 1985 and 1986. But going back in 1987 I knew then what I was supposed to do. I knew there was a bigger picture to this. Go there prepared, ready to tackle anything and the world with a purpose,” Masilela-Chuene said.
Before winning Miss SA in 2015, Laurie-Mthombeni from Eldorado Park was placed first princess at Miss Soweto in 2010 when she was 19 years old.“I didn’t win that night, but what I took from that looking back now is that, yes, it was a destiny delayed not denied… so, the spaces that you are in right now, take those opportunities,” Laurie-Mthombeni said.Reflecting on her career as an unpaid reporter working for a newspaper in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, Makunga urged the finalists to never give up on their dreams.
When I left that building, I was editor-in-chief of the newspaper, and the point that I want to make is that people look at you and your dreams and may question whether these dreams are valid. Remember that your dreams are valid,” Makunga said.
“Even in moments where you are planning and working and nothing seems to be a breakthrough, understand that they are still valid. Not a single thing that blossoms into a mighty big thing starts big. Everything that we do that is meaningful starts small. When you have an idea, the important thing to ensure is that you work on it.”
This year’s Miss Soweto top 19 finalists are Reshoketsoe Monare, Boikobo Mogobeng, Bonolo Motsukunyane, Diana Ndavani, Gugu Masango, Kamogelo Mokone, Katlego Nyama, Khutso Maladzhi, Kwanele Grace Mabunda, Lebogang Mtshali, Lethaukuthula Ayanda Maseko, Lungile Hlubi, Nhlakanipho Amandla Mkongi, Nomfundo Zungu, Nomthandazo Charmaine Madigo, Ofentse Pitso, Ofentse Zamokuhle Radebe, Olerato Sekgothudi and Paige Lynique Harvey.
