Miss South Africa 2020 is all set to host the annual edition virtually where the representatives to Miss Universe 2020, Miss World 2020 and Miss Supranational 2020 will be crowned. The organization also recently announced that the pageant is going under dramatic and exciting changes for the new decade. These changes are all part of an ongoing drive by the Miss South Africa organisation to grow the Miss South Africa brand and keep it relevant in today’s world. Rebranding includes the launch of a new logo with the tagline: Face Your Power. Embrace Your Future.
Just recently, the Top 15 semi-finalists were revealed out of the 35 contestants who began their journey in the national competition. Aphelele Mbiyo, the 24-year-old stunning beauty, has made it to the Top 15 with her fierce beauty and determination.
Aphelele was born in Mthata and raised in Port Elizabeth but currently lives in Lonehill, Johannesburg. She holds a BA in Integrated Marketing Communications and loves to host dinners parties as she enjoys bringing people together over good food and says people would be surprised to hear that she plays the trombone. She describes herself as calm, positive and ambitious.
On being a part of the Top 15 semi-finalists, Aphelele says, "I feel incredibly honoured to be a part of the Top 15 for Miss South African 2020. I am grateful to have been selected from more than 2000 entrants for the Top 35 and thrilled to make further progress. So far, the journey has been a range of mixed emotions, ranging from excitement, nervousness and anxiety, but I remain focused and I am ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead and have an impact on society."
Aphelele wants to be Miss South Africa 2020 as she wants to equip young girls on their journey to becoming their best selves. "We often see a post reflection of women who have come into their own, which is inspiring but not enough about the process of Unbecoming to Become", she says. Aphelele wishes to set up an academy called GIRL GET UP which focuses on building girls in leadership from their mindset, that ultimately influences their actions and changes the trajectory of their lives.
The vision would be to impact how they engage with the world from a place of inherent worthiness, own their voices and their place in the world with specific key areas of focus. The areas of focus would include overcoming mental health, conscious relationship with self, self-betrayal or abandonment in decision making and life skills. This academy could also be a step towards creating a campaign that finds practical ways to combat the tragic gender-based violence in this country.
Aphelele loves the diversity of South African people, the communities and the beautiful landscapes, how intentional South African people are about inclusivity, and how they pursue reconciliation and thrive despite the odds. The beautiful diva is inspired by Zozibini Tunzi who exemplifies authenticity and the power that lies in that. Also, Sasha-Lee Olivier who proved that the standards of beauty are diverse, and that those differences should be celebrated.
Aphelele also believes that pageants are relevant in today's times as they are a platform that put women in a position to lead and make practical change that have an impact on society. We have seen evidence of this from the calibre of women who have been title holders and who have affected change successfully. This includes opening up business for greater employment opportunities, or redefining the narrative of what it means to be beautiful. These are all important narratives, that can help inspire young girls.
A calm, positive and ambitious individual, Aphelele is definitely a strong contender for the national crown. She will be an ideal delegate to represent South Africa at an international contest if she maintains her fierce performance and dedication.