LUNGILE Buhale, a law and archeology student at Wits University, was crowned Miss Soweto on Saturday night at the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani.

The lanky Buhale beat 17 other hopefuls to clinch the prize package of R30000.

The 22-year-old from Dube is in the third year of her law degree and first year in archaeology. She says studying two degrees at the same time poses no problem as she is managing with ease.

She is the 36th Miss Soweto queen.

Buhale fought off the efforts of Kamogelo Kodisang, 20, and Keamogetswe Malotane, 22, who came first and second princesses respectively.

Speaking to Sowetan after winning the title, she confessed: "It has not sunk in yet and my plan for tonight is to get rest."

She said there were two major projects she wanted to focus on. "Firstly, I want to create an initiative called Intern Hub which will help to scout and attract graduates giving them an opportunity to come up with their own business plans and initiatives.

The newly crowned beauty said her plan is to encourage unemployed graduates to grow. The second is a social development aspect - one that will bring boys and girls together through sport.

Buhale said she is inspired by public protector Thuli Madonsela. "She is a strong leader and I believe her tenacity, suave and her unconventional personality are beyond measure" she said.

After the contest began more than two hours late, dance crew Soweto Finest's performance proved to be worth the wait. VIP guests included fashion designer Sonwabile Ndamase and Scandal's Mapaseka Koetle served as one of the judges.

mahlanguba@sowetan.co.za

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