Kimberley teen crowned Miss Mini Universe
THIRTEEN-year-old Manqoba Vilakazi, from Kimberley in the Northern Cape, was crowned Miss Mini Universe during a spectacular gala finale in Bogotá, Colombia, on Saturday evening.
Manqoba was earlier this year crowned Miss Pre-Teen Universe at the South African national pageant in Durban.
As the reigning queen, she travelled to Colombia on August 19 to represent her country at the official Mini Universo Pageant 2023.
She was accompanied by her national director, Ntombifuthi Gumede, and family members.
The six-day programme commenced on Monday, August 21, where Manqoba and other candidates from around the world participated in different activities within the competition prior to the gala finale.
Manqoba was lauded for representing South Africa with grace and elegance.
She left the spectators and her fans hopelessly in love with her when she strutted her stuff on the runway in a dress representing the protea national flower.
Her “glow” and confidence during her protea presentation left an unforgettable mark on the competition and made her a firm favourite for the crown in the eyes of many.
As the newly crowned Miss Mini Universo, Manqoba will be arriving back in South Africa at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday, August 30, at 9am, where she will have the opportunity to engage with the media.
The queen will be welcomed back to her home town at the Kimberley Airport on Thursday, August 31, at 10.30am.
The Northern Cape MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Desery Fienies, is expected to meet her at the Kimberley Airport.
