Currently in the top three of the Miss South Africa Heritage 2024 contest, Lethu Sincwala from Qumbu is asking the Eastern Cape to please vote for her and push her right up to the number one spot.
On the 14th of December, the 25-year-old beauty queen will journey to Soweto in the Gauteng province to compete against contestants from other provinces and cultural groups for the title of Miss South Africa Heritage 2024. This cultural pageant showcases the beauty of our nation’s cultural diversity and moves beyond beauty and fashion, focusing instead on the stories, traditions, and values that make our nation unique.
In an interview with the Express, Sincwala said she is very happy to be representing the Xhosa nation from the Eastern Cape, showcasing the beauty of their culture and tradition. “Winning this contest would be an incredible honour for me. I would be very humbled and grateful. This title would not only be recognition of my own efforts but also a responsibility to empower and inspire others.”
She said winning the title would put her on a larger platform to promote cultural exchange and understanding, something she is passionate about. “That is why I knew I had to enter this contest when I came across a post about it on my Facebook feed.”
The vibrant colours and intricate designs of their traditional clothes, the expressive phrases when they speak, the food, and their spirit of Ubuntu, she said, are some of the things that make her very proud to be a young Xhosa woman. “I think we sometimes put Western culture and traditions on a pedestal and forget our own. We do not take pride in our own roots.” Sincwala says she takes pride in being from the deep rural areas of the Eastern Cape because her background defines her. “My background nurtured me and gave me an identity.”
Pageant founder and event organiser Tondani Tshilande said they are looking for someone who embodies the essence of South African heritage, someone who is passionate about culture, history, and community development. “Our ideal winner should have a unique ability to connect with people, inspire pride in our heritage, and use her voice to advocate for cultural preservation and education. Confidence, authenticity, and a strong sense of responsibility are key attributes we value in our finalists,” he explained.
Tshilande said he saw a gap in platforms that truly celebrate this aspect of our identity, and the response to the search for the first-ever Miss South Africa Heritage has been overwhelming and truly inspiring. He said entrants from diverse cultural backgrounds across South Africa have shown great enthusiasm, which highlights the need for a platform that celebrates and preserves our heritage. “It’s exciting to see so many young people eager to embrace their roots while showcasing their talents.”
To cast a vote for her, people can deposit as little as R20 for 20 votes to FNB account number: 63072205305 with reference MSAH – LETHU. Alternatively, people can use Capitec account number: 163266707 or L. Sincwala 0766918707. Voting closes tomorrow, Friday the 13 of December.
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