24 years old Luyolo Mngonyama, finalist of Miss South Africa 2016, hailing from Eastern Cape, is a third year student of Bachelor of Arts [major in Psychology and Sociology]. She aspires to be the next Miss South Africa, and takes the title as a platform to bring in a change in the society. “I want to instill in young minds love, charity and ambition. This is a platform to remind the youth of South Africa that embracing who you are and staying true to yourself are the best qualities to possess. I want to be Miss SA because I understand it is not only about looking pretty and walking on stage but it will in fact be about the change I will bring and empowering the lives I get to touch.” says Luyolo.

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She is highly inspired by the charm and aura of former Miss South Africa, Bokang Montjane. Talking about Bokang, Luyolo says, “Her passion to make a difference wherever she sets foot inspires me, she is a strong woman who shares her light and the definition of beauty with a purpose.”

Luyolo has a big family who is supportive of her dreams. Luyolo aspires to fulfil her dreams and make her parents proud. She likes trying out new stuff during her spare time, and doesn’t limit herself to just doing certain things. Luyolo believes in seizing the moment and living in the present. “Meaning any moment could be our last, so one needs to make the best out of every minute.” says Luyolo.

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Luyolo gives out a strong message to young girls and aspirants who intend to pursue a career in beauty pageants. “It is your attitude not your aptitude that determines your altitude. It is neither your situation nor the wealth you have, that will determine your success but rather your attitude. I challenge the young girls and women to see life as a prospect of success and to believe in a cause to succeed and get the most out of life.”

She believes that being young women from a dusty small town in Umtata, who barely had shoes to go to school and now a Miss SA finalist is a testament that anything is possible. Do you think Luyolo has what it takes to be the next Miss South Africa?