ESHOWE is rising from dust to the top.
The village is located in northern KZN, which is home to top Mzansi celebs such as actress Winnie Ntshaba, legendary musician Mbuso Khoza and SABC journalist Fanele Mhlongo, who are supporting its progress.
On Saturday, 22 April the village had its first ever Inkosazane yeKhethelo traditional beauty pageant to promote traditional beauty and culture.
The pageant was organised by the Aloe Lifestyle Hotel.
Model Nokwanda Bila (20) won the title and walked away with R5 000 cash.
This is Nokwanda's second title after winning Miss Umzingazi in 2020.
Event organiser Sula Jonas told Daily Sun that the aim of the traditional pageant was to promote their culture and empower young girls.
"We wanted to promote our dusty village while we are highlighting culture and developing young girls. We included our neighbouring municipalities to participate.
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"We want people to learn about their culture, values, heritage and be proud of it while the village is developing," Jonas said.
He said they invited top celebs from Eshowe to motivate and inspire the young girls, preparing them to be good leaders under their project called Aloe Cares.
"Winnie, Mbuso and Fanele motivated them and inspired them to see that anything in life is possible.
"The winner will be our ambassador for five months. We are proud that our rural town is developing and those who are successful are able to come back and inspire others," he said.
Nokwanda told Daily Sun that she feels honoured to win the first ever Inkosazana yeKhethelo traditional pageant.
"It was different to the one I used to enter since I started modelling in 2020, but it was easy because it was all about our culture.
"I was honoured to see Winnie Ntshaba, Mbuso Khoza and Fanele Mhlongo personally because we see them on TV. I was motivated and inspired and they made me realise that anything is possible," Nokwanda said.
She said that she plans to launch her organisation to help her village to develop, especially providing youth with opportunities.
Adulting actress Winnie wrote on her Facebook page: "Witnessed the crowning of Inkosazane Yekhethelo. Congratulations to all the 10 beautiful contestants. Your community projects will definitely uplift your communities. Well done to event organisers Aloe Care."
