Eileen Ndewere, the person responsible for the school’s marketing and fundraising, told OFM News that the pageant will be happening for the second time with juniors and seniors categories combined. “The purpose of the pageant is for the girls to have another platform to gain leadership skills, but this time they have to focus and identify societal issues.”

Aviwe Khedama (15) said her mom is her icon, as she is a goal-driven person who believes hard work pays off. “My mom taught me to care and share with the next person even if I do not know them.” One of the challenges she experienced during the pageant was balancing school work and the community project they were assigned.

Aviwe Khedama and Tazz-Lynn Michaels. Picture supplied

Tazz-Lynn Michaels (16) said she is optimistic about her journey. She looks up to the recently crowned Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert because she didn’t give up. “When she first entered Miss SA she was a runner-up, three years later she got crowned as the Miss SA.” Like Khedama, she added that the challenge was having to compensate between school and the project, but she enjoyed doing it.  

Refiloe Senti said she looks up to Brett Cooper, as the actress inspired her to always speak her mind and stand for the truth. “The most challenging thing about being a finalist is convincing myself not to give up and that I can do it.” What she enjoyed the most is discovering that she too has the potential to do it.

Refiloe Senti and Katlego Mokoena. Picture supplied 

Katlego Mokena said she feels privileged to be one of the finalists. “I honestly do not have any icons, but I do look up to a lot of people, like my mom, because she remains strong and positive, also creative.”  Her challenges are to walk in heels and at the age of 12 she is still trying to find her talents.

Thando Sindane expressed how grateful she is for the bonds that were formed during the pageant with other contestants and judges. “Being part of the pageant has taught me so much, as this was my first time. My favourite was the sleepover that we had, as we learned a lot from each other.” Juggling school and the pageantry was not easy for her.   

Siyabulela Ndlela and Thando Sindane. Picture supplied 

Siyabulela Ndlela believes if one lets go, God will do the rest. She also looks up to her mom, because she is strong, hardworking, and continues to go persist despite challenges. “The biggest challenge I experienced was balancing my academics and the duties of being a finalist.” Her favourite moment was the camp they had, as it allowed her to get to know more about other girls.

For Naledi Ramaema, it feels unreal for her to be a finalist, like a dream come true. "I look up to my mom because she has managed to reach her goals despite her age and showing me it's never too late for one to achieve whatever they put their minds to." The challenge for her was keeping her head up and trusting herself to make it through.

Naledi Ramaema and Mmonemang Mraushe. Picture supplied

Mmonemang Mraushe said she has learned a lot about leadership through the pageant journey, and also about sisterhood. "My icon is Zozibini Tunzi, who was crowned Miss SA in 2019 and Miss Universe in the same year. She inspires me to focus on the pageantry world and not give up." 

“Girls, know that you are already winners. Many did not dare to join but you did, so no matter what the results are, please know, you are already a winner,” added Ndewere.

St Michael’s School for Girls will crown its 2023 Miss SMS on Friday (25/08).

OFM News