Miss Commonwealth SA finalist eyes to be an activist of change
Being selected as one of the top 20 Miss Commonwealth SA finalists in this year’s competition, Ngawethu Ka-Siphiwo dreams of becoming an activist of change.
Miss Commonwealth SA empowers young women to bring about change in the communities in need.
Through this pageant, finalists are given the platform to become charity and cultural ambassadors within South Africa and the broader international community.
“As a finalist, I avail myself in charitable causes to add value in the lives of those around me,” says 27-year-old Ka-Siphiwo from Boksburg.
“It is also my responsibility to promote racial harmony, assist in poverty eradication and support cultural cohesion.
“As a brand ambassador, it is equally my responsibility to promote the Miss Commonwealth brand by taking it to the next level by being a notable role model.”
Ngawethu is employed by Edcon Jet buying department.
She is also the editor of two online magazines – Ilaphulam (my fashion) African Fashion Journal and the newly-launched Zingce (take pride) Lifestyle Magazine.
She also does upliftment projects, such as Queens and Kings, which run throughout the year.
Queens and Kings is a project Ngawethu started last year, which aims at assisting underprivileged matric students who cannot afford to go to their matric farewells, as they lack the financial muscle.
“We make it special for them and get them all they require, for example, the dress, shoes and hairstyle.”
Ngawethu’s chosen charity for the Miss Commonwealth pageant is Ikageng Aids Ministry in Soweto, where she managed to assist two ladies with this project.
“The founder asked me to assist, as she was aware I run such a project,” says Ka-Siphiwo.
She’s also in the process of partnering with various organisations and will be launching the Buy a Glove campaign, which will be a globe campaign raising funds for breast cancer, HIV/Aids and abuse organisations.
She has received provisional endorsement from Boxing SA.
By being part of this pageant, Ngawethu started The Friends of Miss Commonwealth projects.
“The idea is to get the community and those that are involved in business to assist in charities with regards to basic needs, so it’s not just entrants. The idea is to also bring relevance back to pageants.
“When we stand together, we can do more, and that is what we did on Mandela Day – we painted Ikageng, donated text books, electric appliances, sanitary towels and three boxes of clothing across all age groups.”
Ngawethu has taken part in other pageants before and has the following titles behind her name: Miss Walter Sisulu University 2004, Junior Miss Eastern Cape 2005, Senior Miss Nelson Mandela Bay 2005 and runner-up Miss OR Tambo 2010.
What Ngawethu has been enjoying the most of her journey as a Miss Commonwealth SA finalist so far, is meeting new people, making new friends, and building meaningful relationships with the Commonwealth organisation and founding member of Ikageng Aid Ministry.
“I have also grown in the sense that I gained more confidence to approach respectable people, as the finalist status gave me that power.”
Elaborating on her main reason for entering the pageant, she says: “To become an activist of change”.
Ngawethu says that people are so quick to complain about the issues that they are faced with as a country.
What role is she playing to assist?
“Through the exposure and the given platform, I would like to improve the lives of young people by aligning them with projects that will add value to their lives and challenge their thinking, because through hard work and dedication you can be anything you want to be.
“I further want to broaden the role that I am currently playing of championing women and children’s rights, raising awareness on abuse, and assisting with raising funds for organisations that are affected with HIV/Aids.”
Asking her what she has to offer South Africa, should she be crowned as Miss Commonwealth SA 2014, she answers: “I believe that I am part of the solution and will, therefore, add value to my country, as I want to rope relevant stakeholders to assist in the issues that I mentioned and am currently assisting in.”
The Miss Commonwealth SA 2014 grand finale is taking place on August 29, at Gold Reef City.
The public can support Ngawethu by SMSing ‘Ngawethu’ to 42899. Her charity also benefits.
Ngawethu is also on Facebook as ‘Miss Commonwealth South Africa 2014, Ngawethu Ka-Siphiwo’.
“I really want to bring the crown to Ekurhuleni, so I need all the support I can get.” – @IschkeBoksburg
Ngawethu, you’re doing a fabulous job. Hats of to you girl…for taking charge and becoming actively involved bettering society. We need more beauty queens who understand what social transformation means, and are willing to go that extra mile. Even if it means getting their hands dirty. Your heart and head are in the right place. Undoubtedly, an agent for change you are. You’re doing a sterling job. We look forward to supporting your causes. So proud
Ngawethu, you’re doing a fabulous job. Hats of to you girl…for taking charge and becoming actively involved bettering society. We need more beauty queens who understand what social transformation means, and are willing to go that extra mile. Even if it means getting their hands dirty. Your heart and head are in the right place. Undoubtedly, an agent for change you are. You’re doing a sterling job. We look forward to supporting your causes. So proud.