The Tshilande Foundation, in partnership with the Rofhiwa Manwadu Foundation, hosted this year's Mr and Miss Vhembe Disability 2023 at Khoroni Hotel on Saturday, 2 September, where 19-year-old Makondelele Mukonazwothe from Mbahe village was crowned Mr Vhembe Disability.
The spokesperson for both foundations, Ms Khathu Tshilande, explained that their target audience included young people from the Vhembe region between the ages of 13 and 35 years who lived with disabilities. She said their aim was to empower and encourage these people to embrace themselves and know that a disability did not necessarily make one incapable. "We want to encourage them to be confident and appreciate their beauty, despite the fact that they live with disabilities."
Tshilande said they were very pleased to see so many young individuals participating in the pageant.
Makondelele, who also holds the title of Mr Fulufhelo Special School 2022, was very excited about being voted the King. "I was encouraged to enter the competition by my parents and educators at Fulufhelo Special School, who said the sky is the limit. I want to encourage other young people that they don't ever have to look down on themselves because of their disabilities, because they too can achieve big things in life," he said.
Makondelele is doing upholstery at Fulufhelo Special School and hopes to start his own upholstery business soon after he graduates.
Luther Munyai (23) from Folovhodwe as crowned Miss Vhembe Disability.