Commonwealth Pageants SA opens new doors for young ambassadors

The Commonwealth Pageants South Africa is looking for the next Miss Commonwealth SA title holder. Silindile Zulu, 25, has been selected as one of the top 30 semi-finalists in this year’s competition.

The pageant empowers women with the knowledge to bring about change to communities in need.

The winner will represent South Africa at the International pageant in London in November 2015.

All 53 Commonwealth member states are invited to send their representatives to compete for the prestigious titles.

Silindile entered the pageant having developed a passion for helping people while volunteering at a Hospice during high school.

She continued to lend a hand during her university career at the University of Pretoria working for a student-run organisation based where she excelled and became the first female chairperson in 2013.

"For the past 5 years at varsity, I've been involved with an organisation that goes to underprivileged areas of South Africa to give career guidance and mentorship to high school learners. Also I have adopted a school in Vryheid, KZN where I grew up. I bring the learners application forms, do motivation and talk to them about different careers  available at different South African institutions."

Throughout Silindile's visits to the different rural areas around SA, one of the major challenges she encountered was that while learners excelled and did well in their studies, they didn't have the funds for university applications.

Through the Commonwealth Pageants, a platform is created for women of all ages to become charity and culture ambassadors within South Africa and the broader international community.

The title holders become involved in charitable causes and uphold the aims and objectives of the Commonwealth.

This includes racial harmony, poverty eradication and cultural cohesion.

This year the pageant will support Pink Drive. "It is our duty as a community to assist young role models to become worldwide leaders who are committed to serve the needs of our communities" says Commonwealth Pageants South Africa.

The Grand Finale takes place at The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City on 12 September.

"Winning the title will open up doors for me, I'll start an organisation that would raise money for those learners struggling to even apply for university admission because of not having money. As Miss Commonwealth SA it would be easy for me to motivate the youth as someone who is more influential," said Silindile.

 

To support her journey use the SMS line and vote for her. SMS her name and surname to 35554, each SMS costs R3.

 

 

 

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