Central SA
Local teen’s foundation to bring Miss Teen Universe to Kimberley─── ZENANDE MPAME 11:02 Wed, 24 Jul 2024
“Planning for the event is at an advanced stage with some sponsors and brands already on board.”
A foundation founded by a teen (16) from Kimberley is preparing to host an international pageant in South Africa for teenage girls from more than 40 countries.
Miss Teen Universe 2024 will be hosted in Kimberley, Cape Town, and Gauteng from Thursday, 31 October to Sunday, 10 November. The winner of Miss Teen Universe 2024 will win a new electric car.
The Unamandla-Isagoentle Foundation was founded by Unamandla Vilakazi (16) in 2022 and it is an NPO that is dedicated to fostering positive behavioural change in schools under the banner of a positive mindset for a positive future.
The foundation aims to create an environment where learners from diverse backgrounds, particularly those facing the challenge of poverty, can develop a positive outlook and improve their future.
“The vision behind the foundation is to instil a positive mindset in young people, empowering them to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. The partnership with Miss Teen Universe to host the international pageant aligns with this vision, by providing a platform for young women to showcase their talents, intelligence, and commitment to positive change,” said Vilakazi.
“The pageant serves as a vehicle for promoting cultural exchange, leadership, and community engagement aligning with the foundation’s mission to inspire and uplift youth.”
“Part of our preparation for the event was securing venues in Kimberley, Cape Town, and Gauteng, also coordinating with international and local participants, arranging accommodation, transportation, and event logistics as well as organising rehearsals and preliminary events, and engaging with local businesses and communities for support and participation.
“Some challenges that we faced were managing logistics across multiple locations, ensuring the safety and security of participants, coordinating travel arrangements for international delegates, and securing sufficient funding and sponsorships,” she said.
The foundation says the event will bring the best edition in the history of beauty pageants for teenagers and seeks to position them as youth ambassadors.
Unamandla Vilakazi is Miss Teen Mundial South Africa 2023. Picture supplied
The event will include a talent competition, a national costume competition, and charity drives for NPOs around Kimberley. The ripple effect from the pageant is also set to benefit local entrepreneurs and create temporary employment.
The exact number of countries that have confirmed their attendance is 45, however, they’re actively working with multiple countries to ensure a diverse and representative group of participants, said Vilakazi.
“The criteria for participants would be confidence and poise, intelligence and quick thinking, commitment to social causes and community service, and ability to represent their country and engage in cultural exchange as well as strong communication skills.”
Miss Teen Universe 2024 will be hosted in Kimberley, Cape Town , and Gauteng from Thursday, 31 October to Sunday, 10 November. Picture supplied
“The entire pageant, like all the activities, will start in Cape Town and then we will head over to Kimberley. The finale will be held in Gauteng.”
