The start of the festive season means only one thing: the eagerly awaited Miss Soweto pageant, which marks its 40th anniversary this year. A celebration of that rare combination of beauty, grace, self-motivation and resilience, the Miss Soweto pageant has been a beloved fixture in this vibrant Johannesburg community since 1979.
True to tradition, this year’s event will be hosted at the Soweto Theatre on 30th November and will be broadcast on Soweto TV on 7th December 2019 from 20h00. Twenty finalists will compete for the coveted #MissSoweto2019 title, as well as for the titles of First Princess, Second Princess, Miss Personality, Miss Photogenic and Miss Social Butterfly.
The pageant, which has a dedicated following, has launched the careers of many of Soweto’s most famous daughters. Most notably renowned businesswoman and Miss World 1994 runner-up, Basetsana Khumalo, who was Miss Soweto in 1990; CEO and Founder of The Image Firm, Doris Msibi, who wore the crown in 2000; and DJ and media personality, Lerato Kganyago, who took the honour in 2005.
“Miss Soweto is someone who is strong, determined and confident,” says Mokhele Makhothi, Marketing Manager of White Star Super Maize Meal, which is the main sponsor of the pageant. “She is an extraordinary woman who epitomises what it means to be a Sowetan and is an inspiration to young and old alike.”
The stellar occasion will be headlined by US-born legend of house music, Harrison Crump, who will be supported by Idols SA 2018 finalist, King B. Celebrities on the judging panel will include model and media personality, K Naomi and Rhythm City star, Nolo Phiri, among others. The proud 2018 titleholder, Nokukhanya Kunene, will be on hand to pass on the crown to her successor.
Featured image via: Cosmopolitan SA