The beautiful Zaidah Mbulaheni (21) from Eltivillas in Louis Trichardt won the Miss Makhado Royal 2024 title. She received the crown during a ceremony held at the Kone Boutique Lodge in Tshiozwi on Friday, 15 December.
Competing against 12 finalists, Zaidah said she had experienced an overwhelming rush of emotions and thoughts when this coveted title had been bestowed upon her. She said the realisation that she would be representing her community in such a prestigious role had filled her with a sense of responsibility and honour. “As the crown was placed on my head, I felt a surge of joy, pride, and gratitude. My mind raced with thoughts of the journey that led me to this point, the support of my family and friends, and the impact I could make during my reign.”
Zaidah said participating in beauty competitions was no easy feat, especially when coupled with the challenges of fundraising for votes and juggling academic commitments. “I overcame these challenges by setting goals for myself and working towards them. I am currently pursuing my honours degree in rural development at the University of Venda, but I also started my own small business as a hairdresser for students on campus,” she said.
In her role as Miss Makhado Royal, Zaidah is determined to champion various causes, with a primary focus on equal access to education. “I believe that education is a fundamental right that should be accessible to all individuals, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. In many communities, disparities in educational opportunities exist, and I aim to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote equal access to quality education for all,” she said.