BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
EZLUWINI – “I have always wanted to be part of global pageants.”
These words were uttered by Eswatini Miss Cultural Heritage Melinda Mavuso (20), who was earlier today chosen to represent Eswatini at the Miss Culture Global pageant, which will be held on August 27–31 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mavuso shared that she has always wished to be part of the international beauty pageants and was happy to be afforded the chance to do so by the association.
The sashing ceremony took place at the Mantenga Cultural Village in Ezulwini. In attendance was Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) CEO Stanley Dlamini, who spoke about the importance of culture. He said: “These children are young; they need to know their culture and its importance. They must know that other countries appreciate our culture.”
Dlamini went on to congratulate Mavuso for being given the chance to go and represent the country and wished her well.
The global pageant was founded by the CEO of Miss Culture Global Organisation, Lorraine Kljajic, who was also present at the ceremony. She said: “Eswatini has a diverse culture. It has a rich culture. The countries that participate in Miss Culture Global will get the chance to sell their culture. We are using this platform to showcase different cultures.”
The sashing ceremony was initially supposed to take place over the weekend but eventually took place earlier today.
In the text shared by Mbali Manana of Top Models, Kljajic read in part: “Good afternoon, please inform the girls that applied this year that they will be eligible to participate next year.” We have decided to work with the queen, who was also crowned by the Beauty Association of Eswatini under the Department of Arts and Culture.”
This was confirmed by Mbali Manana, the Director of Top Models Eswatini, who was awarded the National Director and Franchise Holder for the Miss Culture Global Eswatini Certificate for the duration of 2023–2025.
In a previous interview, the queen shared with this publication that she joined the pageant because she knew it was a great platform for her to fully embrace and acknowledge the beauty that the unique Swati culture possesses.
According to Mavuso, culture is an umbrella term that involves the customs, arts, history, and achievements of a particular nation. She believes that young people should make it a norm to participate in national events because it is the most accessible way for them to uphold their culture. It shouldn’t be about them attending national events to only snap pictures for social media, but it should be beneficial.
Mavuso was crowned the queen with four regional ambassadors for 2023–2024 at the George Hotel in December last year.
The regional ambassadors who were crowned are:
Shiselweni region: Lethukuthula Matsebula.
Lubombo region: Luyanda Ndlela
Manzini region: Nowethu Motsa
Hhohho region: Yandiswa Magagula.
