×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

CONFIDENT ROCHELLE a REAL WINNER

THE QUEEN: Rochelle Mothapo wears the Miss Soweto crown. PHOTO: NONHLANHLA NDHLOVU. © Unknown.
THE QUEEN: Rochelle Mothapo wears the Miss Soweto crown. PHOTO: NONHLANHLA NDHLOVU. © Unknown.

Edward Tsumele

Edward Tsumele

Rochelle Mothapo, a Bachelor of Business Administration student at the CIDA City Campus in Johannesburg, triumphed over 29 other contestants to be crowned the 30th Miss Soweto on Saturday.

The pageant was held in the stylish Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City.

The pageant was full of pomp and ceremony and at about midnight the judges declared Mothapo the new Miss Soweto.

First princess Dorah Mtetwa fluffed her chances of walking away with the prestigious title after the tall beauty, who was tipped to win the title, broke down and cried in answer to a question from the judges.

This paved the way for the more confident Mothapo to be declared the winner and pocket prizes worth about R150000, including a car.

The ABI-sponsored event, organised by music promoter Leonard Sithole, also saw Mbali Malekane who, like Mtetwa, hails from Jabulani, Soweto, declared second princess.

"It feels great to win the title," said Mothapo, who works as a human resources administrator. "I feel honoured. It has been my dream for quite a long time to walk away with this crown."

Mothapo is not new to beauty pageants since she recently entered the inaugural Miss Face of Soweto and reached the top five.

Pop group Malaika entertained the guests.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.