GEORGE NEWS - For Lindokuhle Mvango (23) from Thembalethu, making her modelling dreams come true took a lot of courage, but it has paid off. After being crowned 1st princess at the Mr and Miss Nelson Mandela University in 2017 and 2nd princess in the Miss Eden SA 2019, she entered the Miss SA 2020 pageant, getting as far as the top 35.
But she wanted more, and entered a competition that could see her visiting New York City next year. And she nailed it.
"On 30 October I was awarded an opportunity to audition in front of international talent scouts at the International ARTS talent showcase in Johannesburg," says the local beauty.
This is an annual event that provides opportunities to local artists and models to showcase their talents with hopes that they will be chosen to represent South Africa at Imta (International Modelling and Talent Association) in New York City next year.
The competition was held from 29 to 31 October. "Since I was representing the Western Cape, I was given the audition date of the 30th, alongside with other artists that were from remote provinces. Before the actual competition we had auditions that were held online due to the pandemic we are facing. From there the individuals that received a call-back were allowed to audition in Jo'burg."
The competition was tough, she says, as there were also people from other neighbouring countries who came to audition. "I was fortunate enough to be one of the few individuals who were chosen to represent SA in NYC next year in July."
Lindo was a Miss SA 2020 online applicant.
Lindo is very grateful for all the support she has had on her modelling journey. "I have a very supportive mom and nephew who tried to make things easier. They have been very supportive throughout and I thank God for them. Also, the support I have received from my friends and strangers at large has been overwhelming, especially on my Miss SA journey.
The love and the support from Thembalethu residents and George as a whole has been amazing, and that is one of the things that keeps me going."
Despite her success in local pageants, she still had to gather up courage to enter for Miss SA. "I think after we all witnessed Zozi winning not only Miss South Africa but Miss Universe, it gave us hope and motivated us to want to be part of that. As a result, a lot of amazing young South African women took a leap of faith and entered for Miss SA. I remember after seeing those entry videos I was very scared to enter because I was scared of exposing myself to the nation like that."
Lindo started school in Port Elizabeth and completed her primary school years at MM Mateza Primary in George. She went on to matriculate from Thembalethu High School.
Currently she is pursuing a diploma in logistics management at Nelson Mandela University.
Local beauty Lindokuhle Mvango
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