Uhone Tsanwani and Khaarendiwe Makhado will represent the Venda kingdom at this year's Indoni Miss Cultural South Africa. The event will take place tomorrow (15th) at the Durban ICC Arena.
Tsanwani (20), from Thohoyandou Block J, said that it was an honour to represent the Venda kingdom. She wants to embrace her culture “because it made me who I am today. My grandmother once told me that if you don't know where you come from you will never know where you are going".
She is currently studying recreation and leisure studies at the University of Venda. She added that representing the Venda kingdom made her learn a lot about her roots.
Makhado said he was delighted to represent the Venda kingdom. "It is a great opportunity, because I've always wanted to represent my culture," he said. The 19-year-old Makhado, who hails from Nzhelele Ha-Rabali, is studying BA in criminology at the University of Venda.
To vote for them, SMS "Indoni Venda" to 33616.
Kozwana Skhosana from the Ndebele kingdom won the event last year.
According to the pageant founder, Dr Nomcebo Mthembu, Indoni Miss Cultural South Africa is a cultural pageant where 12 princesses and 12 chaperones represent each of the cultural groups in South Africa. They will showcase their culture and heritage in cultural song, dance and theatre.
She said the pageant was a moral regeneration programme, targeting the youth by using identity-focused programmes as a tool for addressing social ills and bringing about behavioural change.
Dr Mthembu said the pageant also tackled issues such as HIV/Aids, drug and alcohol abuse, unemployment and teenage pregnancies. It also encouraged young people to embrace their culture. The pageant was launched in June 2011.