Eighteen-year-old Thama Ndou from Lwamondo became the very first Miss SAPS Levubu when she was crowned at Mirunzini Lodge and Entertainment Centre in Tshifulanani on Saturday, 6 May.
The Levubu SAPS, in partnership with the Matodzi Mukwevho Modelling Agency, initiated the beauty pageant to encourage the youth to get more involved in uplifting pastimes and to concentrate more on positive things.
Thama and her two princesses, 17-year-old Thuso Nethononda (first princess) and 17-year-old Makhadzi Mulaudzi (second princess), further get to participate in the Youth Against Crime Movement, under the Levubu SAPS's jurisdiction.
Thama, who started modelling at the age of 10, joined the Matodzi Mukwevho Modelling Agency last year to help build her self-confidence and to learn more about the modelling industry. She was very excited about winning this title and could not stop singing the praises of her parents and the modelling agency. "It was a great competition and my first experience on a big stage like that. I have only joined local competitions in this area, so it was very unfamiliar territory. I want to become an ambassador for other aspiring models," she said.
Her hobbies include modelling, swimming, gymnastics, and singing. "I believe that it is possible to achieve anything you want through prayer and hard work. Whenever you feel helpless, never lose hope. You can still achieve more, just like me!"
Levubu SAPS's station commissioner, Lt Col Hangwani Mahafha, said they had come to the realisation that to reduce crime they had to engage the youth in positive activities.