Mpheni Village's own Ndivhuwo Mukumela has secured a spot as a finalist in the upcoming Miss Makhado Royal Pageant. The final will take place at Kone Lodge in December, and she hopes that competing on this platform will inspire and uplift her community.
Driven by her passion for women's empowerment and community development, Mukumela views this opportunity as a chance to give back and motivate young girls to believe in themselves.
At just 20, Mukumela has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to education and mentorship. Through workshops, motivational talks, and one-on-one guidance, she aims to use her platform to encourage young girls to pursue their passions and embrace self-confidence. "Education and empowerment go hand in hand," she said.
Mukumela's journey has not been without challenges. She overcame self-doubt by focusing on personal growth and self-belief, a quality she learned from her role model, Zavelo Hlabisa, Miss Earth South Africa 2023. Hlabisa's dedication and humility inspired Mukumela to stay grounded and committed to making a difference.
Mukumela's ultimate dream is to become an educator, teaching the youth about the importance of self-empowerment and education in shaping their futures. "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams," she said.