t was, in the end, beautiful and elegant Gumede who took centre stage, flanked by Thato Kubheka and Fhulufhelo Bilankulu, as her first and second princesses respectively. Kubheka also took the Miss Personality title, while Thando Tshabalala was named Miss Social Butterfly.
The event was co-hosted by Miss Soweto 2016 winner Nthabiseng Kgasi and Miss Soweto 2009 first princess Refiloe Motsei, who made sure the event flowed seamlessly and kept the audience captivated. Winner of Miss Soweto 2018 Busi Mmotla was roped in as the roving presenter, who chatted to invited patrons and celebrities on the red carpet.
Miss Soweto’s Top 20 finalists were judged by actress and TV producer Nolo Phiri; Grace Mantjiu of Bona Magazine; and Zazinhle Mthembu. On asked what they were looking for in the next Miss Soweto, Matjiu mentioned that she wanted a lady who was beautiful inside and out. “I am looking for a woman who is strong enough to break down those barriers and do the good that is needed in Soweto,” she said.
“You’d notice that we have been growing our own timber, all of this year’s presenters are former winners of Miss Soweto. We have taken the responsibility to not only reward them with prizes, but also continue to open doors for them long after their reigns are over.
“We are extremely proud of this year’s finalists for making it this far and a huge congratulations to Miss Soweto 2019, Musawenkosi Gumede. We have no doubt that she will carry the title with grace, determination and confidence,” said Mokhele Makhothi, marketing manager of White Star Super Maize Meal – which is the main sponsor of the pageant. “We look forward to a great journey with Musawenkosi as White Star’s brand ambassador.”
As Miss Soweto 2019, Gumede received a prize valued at more than R160,000 with White Star sponsoring the grand prize of a whopping R100,000 in cash. The first princess took home more than R40,000 in prizes and cash, the second princess’s prizes are worth just under R20,000.
