Miss South Africa, Nokuthula Sithole

By Chana Viljoen


African queen: Miss South Africa, Nokuthula Sithole, who will be jetting off to Los Angeles for the Miss Universe pageant, believes that her advantage over other contenders is that she is an African woman. Photo: Bongiwe Mchunu, The Star

Miss South Africa, Nokuthula Sithole, who will be jetting off to Los Angeles for the Miss Universe pageant, believes that her advantage over other contenders is that she is an African woman.

Sithole describes herself as a versatile woman who always enjoys what she does and is very committed.

The most important item in her luggage is her camera. She said she can't wait to meet the girls from the other countries and capture all the memories.

Extremely patriotic

Sithole is extremely patriotic, and her pride in her heritage comes across in the national gift she has hand-crafted for the pageant. She created a sculpture of a nude woman in the "get-ready" position. The woman has markings on her face and wings in the shape of Africa on her back.

According to Sithole, the sculpture symbolises African women, who have had to endure a lot of hardship. The golden wings show how the resources of South Africa will carry women who strive to reach their dreams.

Each contestant will present a gift, which is auctioned off before the night of the pageant. All the money collected for the gifts will be given to charity.

Sithole is the first Shangaan woman to take part in the Miss Universe pageant and - to pay tribute to her culture - she will be wearing a Shangaan-inspired dress designed by Sun Goddess.

Thuli, as she is known, will also wear a red ballgown, which she describes as "glamorous" and "elegant". It is designed by Norman Callan of The Boys.

Sithole will compete against 88 contestants from around the globe on July 4. However, the actual event will be broadcast on July 23. The 22-year-old town and regional planning student at Wits University will also take part in the Miss World pageant in September.

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