The Nandoni Riverview Lodge in Hamutoti village was filled to capacity on Thursday, 28 September, when the Vhembe SAPS held its second annual Mr and Ms Vhembe SAPS beauty contest in conjunction with the Heritage Month celebrations. Guests were dressed in minwenda, makunda, misisi, and other traditional attire, turning the event into a mixture of bright colours.
Col Rudzani Rakhadani, one of the organisers of the event, said they were excited to stage the beauty contest, which aims to build confidence and mental health, assist the needy, and touch the lives of the communities they serve. Humanity, she said, was the fundamental purpose of the event.
About 260 SAPS employees, including high-ranking officials from various divisions and sectors, attended the event. Twenty-nine women and seven men participated in the contest.
Sgt Rofhiwa Ivy Nangammbi from Saselamani Police Station was crowned Ms Vhembe SAPS 2O23, with Livhuwani Caroline Netsianda, a general worker from Sibasa VIS, crowned as 1st princess and Sgt Livhuwani Mulaudzi from Sibasa HRD as 2nd princess.
Sgt Shadrack Mabunda, from Malamulele Police Station, won the Mr Vhembe SAPS 2023 title. Sgt Lufuno Tambani from Thohoyandou SAPS was selected as 1st prince and Sgt Nnditsheni Hendry Mutswaletswale, also from Thohoyandou SAPS, was selected as 2nd prince.
Sgt Fhulufhelo Denga from Levubu SAPS was crowned Ms Plus Size Vhembe SAPS 2023, with Col Balanganani Monica Nemavhola from the District office as her 1st princess and Phumudzo Edith Nemakonde, also from the district office, as 2nd princess.
The Vhembe SAPS District Commander, Maj-Gen Eddie van der Walt, congratulated the organisers on another successful event and for making police officers feel special too through the pageant.