Ronewa Mafunzwa (20) from Tshishivhe village in the Mutale area is a finalist in the prestigious Miss Universities of South Africa 2022 competition. The crowning ceremony will be held at the Blue Waters Hotel in Durban on 26 November, and all eyes are on the lovely contestants.
Mafunzwa is a final-year BSc student in mathematical and computer sciences at the University of Limpopo. Besides all the glamour and limelight, she has a soft spot for the less privileged and encourages the youth to take education seriously.
"There is a stigma attached to beauty contests, where people think those involved cannot go far with their education. I love modelling, but it does not define me. The modelling industry needs more women who are caring, loving, supportive and giving, besides being beautiful, and I have those characteristics. That's why I love it. I am ready for any challenge. I dream big; I don't set small goals for myself. I tell myself that success without hard work is a myth, and I give all I've got. My hope is to win the pageant and use my reign in a purposeful, changing manner. With the Miss Universities of South Africa title, you become a public figure, and I would love to be an agent of change through being the better me every day," she said.
She draws inspiration from well-known South African model and former Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida. "When she was crowned Miss South Africa, it gave me real hope. Optimism is a skill, and those who dream big achieve more."
Mafunzwa has a number of other titles to her name, including the Miss Inner Beauty Limpopo 2020 and Director's Choice; Miss Greater Nwamitwa 2020 and Best Walk; Miss Face of Nemash North West 2021 and Public Choice; Miss Face of Matt Photography 2021; overall winner of the Face of Jazzy Events 2021; Miss Teen Universe SA Limpopo Charity 2022; Miss Apollong 2020 (second princess); Miss Face of Destiny 2021 (second princess); Miss Face of Seshego 2021 (first princess) and Miss Face of Matebele Holdings and Top Model 2021.