Mr and Miss Ebukhosini take NWU Vaal by storm
Mr and Miss Ebukhosini 2022 were crowned recently at NWU Vaal campus. Mosa Lempe (21) and Bongane Mokoena (22) walked away with the respective titles.
North-West University (NWU) Ebukhosini residence held the annual Mr and Miss Ebukhosini event on Saturday 7 May, with great success.
It was a night full of glitz, glamour and music where the contestants took to the catwalk to showcase their talents, achievements, and public-speaking skills. The 14 finalists had to entertain the audience and impress the judges in four different categories. These categories included casual wear, personality, tradition and evening wear.
Lempe, a third year bachelor of social work student at NWU Vaal and the female winner of the pageant, explained what inspired her to enter this year’s pageant. “I am a shy introvert and like to be in my comfort zone, but one of my house committee leaders encouraged me to join the pageant and that is when I decided to enter. The pageant was a way for me to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people,” said Lempe.
Lempe added that some of her responsibilities as the new Miss Ebukhosini include being a representative of her residence and promoting the brand while also giving back to students.
The map above is an illustration of where the crowning of the new Mr and Miss Ebukhosini took place. MAP: Nthabiseng Masango
Bongane Mokoena (22), a final year bachelor of computer science and economics student at NWU Vaal and the male winner of the pageant talked about some of the challenges he faced as a contestant. “I entered because I wanted to grow and come out of my ‘shell’. I saw it as a challenge and a way to prove to myself and others that if you put your mind to something you can achieve it through hard work and dedication.”
Mokoena also stated that some of the challenges he faced at first was mastering “the walk” and doing it exactly how the coach wanted it to be done. Mastering the routine was also a challenge for him because he does not see himself as a good dancer.
Thumeka Mvumbi, arts and culture social liaison officer at the Ebukhosini residence administered and managed the event through hard work and effort. She made sure that the event had enough sponsors, and many students participated.
“The mission and purpose of the event was fulfilled because the newly crowned ‘royals’ are living up to their titles and showing attributes of dignity and respect. They are servant leaders who strive to make a difference in our residence,” said Mvumbi.
Mvumbi said that her favourite part of the event was the traditional-wear category as it was entertaining and showed an authentic side to the contestants. “They seemed very comfortable and it was beautiful to watch.”
She also added that the NWU Vaal Ebukhosini pageant was a representation of confidence, beauty, charm and talent. However, a new definition of what it means to be a pageant contestant is being embraced by all the finalists. Pageants have long been criticised for their unrealistic beauty standards and in some cases gender stereotyping.
“The pageant was a symbol and recognition that today’s beauty standards are evolving beyond an era where contestants had to have a certain body image, tall or have smooth hair,” said Mvumbi.
