SA ready to host Miss Teen Universe pageant
THE UNAMANDLA-Isagoentle Foundation in Kimberley is a few months away from making history by hosting a prestigious international pageant in partnership with Miss Teen Universe.
The foundation, which was founded by 16-year-old Unamandla Vilakazi, Miss Teen Mundial South Africa 2023, successfully concluded negotiations last year to have the international pageant hosted in South Africa.
The glamorous event will be held in three provinces - the Northern Cape in Kimberley and the economic hub of the country Gauteng, with the sashing ceremony in the Western Cape, Cape Town.
The glamorous event will host teenage girls from over forty countries, across four continents - Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe.
The pageant, which seeks to position teenagers to be ambassadors of the youth, is set to run from October 31 to November 10, 2024.
Winner of the Miss Teen Universe 2024 edition will win a brand new electric car.
The President of Miss Teen Universe Organisation, Carolina London, expressed that they are excited to bring Miss Teen Universe to South Africa.
“I am confident that, with the help of Unamandla-Isagoentle Foundation, we will deliver an amazing show to all our international guests and to South Africa,” said London.
She pointed out that this will be the first time in history that Miss Teen Universe is hosted in the country.
The planning for the event is at an advanced stage with some sponsors and brands already on board.
“We’ve been working hard to prepare, and while there are still a few things on the to-do list, it is safe to say that we are definitely heading in the right direction,” London added.
The foundation promised that the event will bring the best edition in the history of beauty pageants for teenagers, and seeks to position them as youth ambassadors.
The glitzy affair will include a talent competition, national costume competition and charity drives for Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) around Kimberley.
The spin-offs from the pageant are also set to benefit local entrepreneurs and create temporary employment.
“It’s truly remarkable how this event allows us to extend our help and make a significant impact on the community. This is also a great opportunity to position South Africa as a tourism destination in an effort to also boost the economy.”
The organisers of Miss Teen Universe said that the door is not closed for more sponsors.
“Ideally we would like to work together with the South African government. If there are more people out there willing to lend a hand and contribute to the event, it would truly make a difference,” said London.
