Cape Town - For the first time, South Africa will be getting its own top drag diva.
The inaugural Miss Drag South Africa is happening in Cape Town this weekend, and 12 hopefuls from all over Mzansi will be vying for the title.
Miss Drag SA is the brainchild of Enigma Von Hamburg, herself the holder of 75 beauty pageant titles.
Enigma says they received 150 entries, accompanied by a motivational letter and photo, and these were whittled down to 32 semifinalists, and then 12 finalists.
“These beauties travelled from different corners of Mzansi where they joined me and my team on a Glam Camp in Stellenbosch in April,” she explained.
“The weekend kicked off with a welcoming ‘Dinner under the Stars’ which was followed by exciting activities that included interviews, video recordings, official portraits, a sash ceremony and the talent segment of the pageant.”
You can look forward to more of the same when the finalists will be putting their best foot forward at the pageant on Saturday.
“This black tie event is aimed at bringing glamour and entertainment back, and will also highlight issues faced by the LGBTI community,” said Enigma.
“Miss Drag South Africa is much more than just a beauty pageant or modelling competition, as each finalist had to initiate a ‘Drag with A Purpose Project’ to advocate the advancement of LGBTI rights and drag culture, serve as agents for change and uplift their communities by serving as positive role models.”
She said the pageant will be a vehicle to educate communities, “to respect and show tolerance towards people from diverse sexual orientation, cultural, religious and racial backgrounds”.
Enigma added: “I am of the opinion that deconstructing and breaking down the barriers of shame and intolerance are important steps in creating a just and equitable society.”
The 12 finalists will compete in three categories – including Swimwear, SA National Wear and Evening Wear.
The event will take place on Saturday 8 July at Stellenbosch Town Hall.
Doors open at 6.30pm. Standard admission is R150, while Deluxe Admission, at R350 per person, gets you table seating, finger snacks and drinks.
Contact Enigma on 078 515 9645 or email [email protected]
The 12 finalists in no particular order are:
Camille Von Zuush (Western Cape), Muzi Zuma (KwaZulu-Natal), Kem Blank (Free State), Tiana La Vida (Western Cape), Somizy Sincwala (Gauteng), Vuyokazi Mbutho (Free State), Maxine Wild (Western Cape), Katya Mendez (Eastern Cape), Zilin Ayoki (Western Cape), Kattia Lemar (KwaZulu-Natal), Chante Herries (Western Cape) and Blu Canoe (Gauteng).