Durban University of Technology (DUT) student, Sivuyile Malinga is aiming to influence the change she would like to see in her society through participating in initiatives implemented by Miss Grand South Africa.
Miss Grand South Africa is South Africa’s official preliminary pageant to the Miss Grand International pageant. Each year, one winner is chosen to represent South Africa at the Miss Grand Pageant. They also receive the opportunity to represent the Miss Grand Organisation throughout their home states for the duration of their reign as well as a prize package selected by the Miss Grand South Africa Directors.
The Newcastle born lass is currently enrolled under Department of Food and Nutrition in the Faculty of Applied Sciences. Apart from being a student, Malinga is very passionate about her modelling career, and hoping it can be able to change the perception about her hometown.
“Osizweni, Newcastle is one of South Africa’s townships with many defects such as unemployment, high crime rates, violence, teenage pregnancy, social inequality, poverty, and infrastructural issues. Miss Grand South Africa is one of the platforms I would use to influence the change I would like to witness in my country and in my township,” she said.
On 5 January 2024, she received the good news that she is a Miss Grand South Africa finalist 2024, one of South Africa’s prestigious pageants. Receiving the news brought joy and hope that her dream might become a reality and change not only her life but her family’s as well. Malinga gave a brief explanation about how modelling have helped her with self-discovering.
“Pageants have always been my passion, for through them I received the opportunity to understand myself through the experiences they have given me. They have taught me the importance of engaging in community work,” she said.
The final Pageant will be on Saturday, 01 June 2024, at the Emperors Palace Theatre of Marcellus in Gauteng. Tickets for the event are available on www.ticketpros.co.za or visit the @missgrand_southafrica for full updates and voting procedures.
Pictured: Sivuyile Malinga
Thubelihle Dumakude
