Sanele Memela and Zandile Langa were crowned Mr and Miss DUT 2017/18 at the annual glittering event held at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, presented by the Department of Student Governance and the Student Representative Council (SRC) on Friday (11 August 2017).
The crowning of Memela and Langa comes after the 21 finalists underwent a hectic photo-shoot and a grueling pre-judging session. The excited and overwhelmed winners are determined to make a difference during their reign.
In an interview with DUT Communications earlier this week, Memela said he had done research on modelling and what is expected from a winner- especially at University level. “The Mr and Miss DUT competition is my first entry in all these years I have been researching on modelling and what it is all about. I wanted to groom myself and be ready first before even wanting to be part of a competition where I stood a chance to be the brand ambassador of the University because being Mr DUT means I have to make sure that people see the DUT brand through me and that needs to be the best brand there ever was,” he explained.
The second year Homoeopathy student added that not only was he planning to uphold the DUT brand during his tenor but that he wanted to create awareness around the misconception people have about modelling especially in townships and certain communities as well.
“Most people think modelling is just about parading on the catwalk or ramp but there is more to it. When I tell people I love modelling some think of the negative but for me modelling offers an opportunity to give back to my university, community and inspire little boys with the same passion from rural and township areas to have big dreams and to be a beacon of hope to the hopeless and, at the same time, encourage them to work tirelessly towards their goals, dreams and ambitions as I have been juggling my schoolwork and modelling,” Memela said.
Meanwhile for Langa, a level three Information Technology (Software Development) student who started modelling in primary school, entering the Mr and Miss DUT competition was not a new experience for her as she competing for the second time. Langa said modelling was more of a challenge to her and that is why she still pursues it. “I chose modelling for the same reason I chose IT, it is a good challenge. You never know what is expected of you, everyday is new day filled with possibilities,” she said.
Hailing from Claremont in Durban, Langa had to balance her schoolwork, modelling and working part-time as a waitress. “Many people don’t know that modelling teaches you a lot about yourself and your surroundings. I grow at every competition and learn a lot at the same time not just about me but my surroundings as well,” added Langa.
During their reign, Memela and Langa will represent DUT at the Miss SA Campus in January 2018. They will be involved in various campaigns within the University and will take part in various activities as well.
What you didn’t know about Mr and Miss DUT:
· Mr DUT is from Elandskop in Pietermaritzburg.
· He is the Marketing Director for a Name Tag Clothing label.
· He loves reading.
· Miss DUT was raised by her grandmother.
· She loves being an independent woman hence she works at Hops Riverside as a Waitresss.
· She was Miss DUT GCI First Princess in 2016.
Pictured: The excited Mr and Miss DUT, Sanele Memela and Zandile Langa.
Noxolo Memela
