Pretoria - Miss South Africa 2022, Ndavi Nokeri, has undoubtedly become the new pride and joy for Limpopo.
After taking the crown during a glittering ceremony in Pretoria, community members in her home province have described her as “a silver lining”, especially in the light of the fading Covid-19 pandemic.
Nokeri, 23, who is from Gabaza village outside Tzaneen, beat 29 other contestants to become the third beauty queen from the province to claim the Miss SA crown.
Bokang Montjane took the crown in 2010, while Shudufhadzo Musida won it two years ago.
Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha said Nokeri’s crowning showed that with determination, anyone could ascend to greater heights.
“Nokeri's win continues to put a spotlight on Limpopo. It has become a common occurrence that we shall carry on to produce winners. Only three years ago we joined in celebrating Shudufhadzo Musida as she was crowned Miss SA 2020. She has barely moved from the limelight and we now celebrate another win, by Ndavi,” said Mathabatha.
He added that Ndavi’s win was a challenge to the provincial government to create systematic ways to build a foundation for budding young talent, and create an environment where youth would be free to explore ways of affirming their place in society.
“We have seen artists from Limpopo making it across the country and the world. We believe Nokeri’s star will continue to shine bright as she reigns this year,” he said.
MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Thandi Moraka, also weighed in with a congratulatory message to Nokeri.
“This is a big moment for Limpopo, and we are really proud of what Ndavi has achieved. She has done well and gave courage to young girls from the rural areas by winning this title. We are truly proud and humbled at the same time, because this puts our province on the map,” Moraka said.
Aspiring model from Mopani TVET College, Ntlekeng Mabunda, who comes from the same village as Nokeri, vowed to follow in her footsteps.
The 18-year-old said all she ever wanted was to participate at Miss SA, and Nokeri had shown her that it was possible.
“I’ve never thought that I would one day see the day of one of our own from the village not only participating in, but winning, Miss SA. It shows that nothing should stop us. I want to be like her and I am going to be like her. Nothing can stop me now,” Mabunda said.
Florence Nkonyama, also from Tzaneen, who was in Pretoria to support Nokeri said she still could not believe she won.
“I drove to Pretoria alone, praying that she wins, because we needed it as a province. I shouted her name the whole night! It was the best time of my life. I could not stop crying, as if it was me who had won,” Nkonyama said.
Nokeri took home R1 million in cash, and a sponsorship package valued at more than R3m, which included an apartment at Waterfall for the year of her reign.
She also received a Mercedes-Benz C-Class and a year’s supply of cosmetics, clothing, jewellery and appliances.
Pretoria News