Thobile Steyn, Miss Soweto2020 who is also a Politics and International relations graduate aims to use her reign to make a difference in girls lives. She was crowned on the 28th of November at the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani. Anathi Conjwa has crowned the first princess while Kutloano Moloi was the second princess.
Steyn admitted that it had not yet sunk in that she had won the pageant. She was voted for her team spirit and for encouraging others. The lady of the night walked away with R100,000 and an additional R5,000 for being Miss Congeniality.
“I’m feeling overwhelmed. I don’t have words to define how I am feeling. I’m still shocked. I’m sure it will sink in once I begin to do things that I have been wanting to do during my reign. Everyone has been congratulating me,” she said.
She plans to go to primary schools and speak to young girls about the importance of knowing your worth. “We need to instil the sense of importance in them from a young age. They need to know they are beautiful and that they can be anything they want to be if they put their mind to it. And being Miss Soweto will give me a platform to speak about the things I am passionate about,” said Steyn.
“When they announced the first and second princess, I said to the girl who was standing next to me that I was going to win. She had the best walks during the workshop. I did see myself in the top three but not as the winner. In the past few months, I got affected emotionally, which also affected my confidence. I admit being part of those training workshops that were done by Miriam Ngomane really spruced up my confidence, “concluded the 21-year-old.
“Miss Soweto is someone who is strong, determined and confident,” said Mokhele Makhothi, Marketing Manager of White Star Super Maize Meal, which is the main sponsor of the pageant. The pageant has launched a lot of careers, most notably renowned businesswoman and Miss World 1994 runner-up, Basetsana Kumalo was crowned Miss Soweto in 1990; Chief Executive and founder of The Image Firm, Doris Msibi, wore the crown in 2000; and DJ and media personality Lerato Kganyago, took the honour in 2005.