By Zolile Menzelwa
Senior Reporter
The second edition of Miss Wild Coast has come down to 24 contestants.
To those who have not been able to vote previously, don’t despair, you still stand a chance to vote for your favourite contestant into continuing being a part of the pageant.
Founder of the programme, a young Eastern Cape-born attorney, Buhle Tonise, said the programme was about beauty and empowerment. “Miss Wild Coast is a women empowerment and tourism promotion programme. The idea was conceived after seeing how underrated the wild cost is and how opportunities are missed by those who really need them for survival,” Tonise said.
She said the pageant, mostly funded from her pocket, has not achieved its aim but is certainly on the right track. She said there is a need to grow by having quarterly programmes before the finals. “Our dream is to bring the world to the wild coast. The worst moments of the pro game have been getting funding. But the best moments are seeing young women being proud of themselves for being part of the programme,” she said.
She said the support from Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism, Buffalo City Metro, Great Kei and Port St Johns Local municipalities was welcomed.Said Tonise: “This year you can expect an improved and more informative Miss Wild Cost.”
Here is the top 24:
Ncebakazi Boqwana, Alfred Nzo District
Mihle Saki, Amathole District
Afika Mbityana, Amathole District
Zintle Bota, Amathole District
Kolosani Bantwini, Buffalo City
Luyolo Nimako, Buffalo City
Chumasande Somazembe, Buffalo City
Mveliso Hlwele, Buffalo City
Imitha Mayo, Buffalo City
Sonwabise Mcata, Buffalo City
Sinazo Mbekeni, Buffalo City
Sinazo Luti, Buffalo City
Sibusisiwe Guqa, Buffalo City
Sisipho Zwakala, Buffalo City
Bulela Kwaza, Chris Hani District
Undigcine Mbangatha, eThekwini
Lunghile Maluleke, eThekwini
Siziphiwe Mbede, OR Tambo District
Yonela Tsutsu, OR Tambo District
Cwenga Dlova, OR Tambo District
Thembelihle Qhina, OR Tambo District
Hlumela Bekentla, OR Tambo District
Sinovuyo Buzwayo, OR Tambo District
Koena Mokobane, Polokwane- Capricorn District