When Makhanani Chabalala’s name was announced as the new Miss Soweto on Saturday, the first thing she heard was her mother’s shrill scream.
The third-year BCom accounting student was chosen as the 31st wearer of the crown.
The pageant, which started in 1979, was held at the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani.
When The Star spoke to the 21-year-old a day after her win, she was still elated.
“The whole of yesterday I was very relaxed and I avoided my phone even though the day was hectic,” said the University of Johannesburg student, speaking from her home.
“I trusted myself, so I didn’t think I wouldn’t win.”
She said her love for pageants began with her love of attention. “I’ve always loved being centre-stage. I entered my first pageant in Grade 2 but my first serious one was when I entered Miss Roodepoort in 2009.”
The then 17-year-old was spotted shopping at Westgate Mall. The pageant organisers told her she had the perfect bone structure and didn’t mind that she didn’t live in Roodepoort.
The seven judges who picked the winners included Generation’s actress Sophie Ndaba and businesswoman and philanthropist Basetsana Kumalo.
“I was never a favourite.”
But she never had a doubt. - The Star