For many young women, beauty pageants and books belong in different worlds. For Ronewa Mafunzwa, however, they are two powerful platforms with one shared purpose: to inspire, educate and create lasting change.
The 24-year-old mathematical and computer sciences graduate, who is currently pursuing an honours degree in statistics while working as a Health IT Officer, has added another remarkable milestone to her journey with the publication of her debut book, Rooted While Returning, while simultaneously representing her community as a Miss Earth South Africa semi-finalist.
Mafunzwa is a woman of many talents and passions. She serves as the South African director of Nhaka African Worldview, an international non-profit organisation dedicated to environmental sustainability, cultural preservation and community empowerment. She is also the founder of Royal Crafts MR, an entrepreneur, a content creator, an environmental advocate and an emerging voice inspiring young people to embrace their identity and purpose.
In Rooted While Returning, Mafunzwa takes readers on a deeply personal journey of identity, heritage, healing and self-discovery. The book encourages readers, especially young people, to celebrate who they are rather than allowing society to define them.
For Mafunzwa, writing the book was more than the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. It became a calling to reach people who may be struggling with self-worth, identity or purpose.
Beyond the pages of her book, Mafunzwa continues to make an impact through the Miss Earth South Africa platform. As a semi-finalist, she champions her advocacy campaign, Midzi ya Vhufa (Rooted in Heritage), which promotes indigenous tree planting, environmental conservation, cultural preservation and youth empowerment across South Africa.