First-year Bachelor of Agricultural Management student, Ms Nosipho Memela is a top 10 finalist in the Miss and Mr SA PRE-Tertiary 2020 modelling pageant, a national event that aims to empower young people.
The pageant, arranged by a modelling brand, was founded by former Mrs South Africa semi-finalist and model Mrs Mbalenhle Molefe Mkhize, who achieved a Diploma in Civil Engineering and a certificate in Project Management. It aims to empower, strengthen and encourage youth to improve themselves, demonstrate their strengths, and improve on their weaknesses. Its mission is to contribute to a healthy society by promoting integrity, purpose and value in young people, and by creating a platform for personal improvement where entrants can find avenues to channel their abilities.
Passionate about modelling, Memela entered the competition with the aim of being a source of inspiration to other young men and women, encouraging them to believe in themselves and to seize opportunities. She aims to represent the power of women, the importance of self-love, and the combination of beauty and brains.
As a finalist, Memela has had the opportunity to take part in a professional photoshoot, create a Facebook page to inform people about herself and her activities, conduct interviews, and host an event to raise funds for a chosen charity. Her selection as a finalist demonstrates the value she contributes to the Miss and Mr SA PRE-Tertiary brand, her comportment, the inspiration she provides, and the impact she is having in her sphere.
Memela, who attended Parkhill Secondary School in Durban, chose to study Agricultural Management to equip her to pursue her dream of starting her own company that will create employment and contribute to the development of rural areas. She hopes to manage her own livestock and crop farm, as well as farms for other agricultural companies.
‘I love nature, and agriculture is an industry that feeds our nation and plays a major role in the economy,’ she said.
Having begun her studies as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, Memela said the experience has been challenging but has taught her to manage her time, develop discipline and her technical skills, and get out of her comfort zone as she works to achieve her goals.
In addition to her studies, Memela plays netball for UKZN’s Pietermaritzburg campus team known as Something Diamonds, is a member of the B-WiseHealth youth group and the Mkhonto Workout Bootcamp in her community, and is a treasurer at her church. In her spare time, she loves to bake, cook and read novels, assist her grandmother in her garden and her grandfather with his livestock, and routinely emcees family events.
The pageant’s crowning event on 3 October in Durban, for which Memela has to arrange her own sponsored hair, make-up and styling, will involve a breakfast, make-up lesson, talent and fashion show, charity work, and formal interviews with the judges.
Votes for Memela can be registered by SMSing “SINW Nosipho Memela” to 34877 at a cost of R2; votes are unlimited and close on 30 September 2020.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Da Brian Photography