UKZN Student a Finalist in Miss Teenager South Africa

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Second-year Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting student, Ms Zama Nyakatha, recently travelled to Johannesburg to compete for the Miss Teenager South Africa 2019 title.

Durban-born Nyakatha’s love of modelling began in 2014 when Rolene Strauss, a medical doctor by profession, was crowned Miss World. ‘What inspired me the most about Strauss was that her Miss World title did not stop her from chasing her other dream of being a doctor. After her reign, she completed her medical degree.’

Miss Teenager SA is a pageant under Miss Teenager Universe. After going through auditions in April, Nyakatha was selected as a semi-finalist for KwaZulu-Natal.

‘The journey as a semi-finalist was very exciting and busy. I started my own campaign called #2000sTakeCharge which aims to encourage teenagers to take charge of their lives. I believe the first step in taking charge is believing in yourself and your dreams,’ she said.

Her efforts did not go unnoticed and she was selected as a finalist to represent her province in the national competition.

‘My journey has taught me that it always seems impossible until it’s done. I am very happy to have been a part of such a big competition and even though I did not win, I have grown as an individual. It was good to meet teenagers from all over South Africa. I feel empowered to do more and am grateful for the support of my family and friends.’

Titles won by Nyakatha over the years include Miss Teen Model Look 2016, Miss Wild Waves 2017, Miss eThekwini Teen 2017, and Miss Teen Catwalk 2018.

Words: Lungile Ngubelanga

Photograph: Supplied