Abongile Bam, Mossel Bay:
On 2 November I was the master of ceremonies at the Eden SA Top Model Competition.
It is hosted annually by Karen Gray and Deon Lensing from Crawlers and Crowns Model Academy, who asked me to be a host.
I co-hosted the event with the beautiful Rosie Venter junior, who is a Miss Teen Universe South Africa finalist.
This was definitely a dream come true, especially with my being only 15 years old and it being a major pageant. This year's theme was Alice in Wonderland and it was magical, seeing all the garments, beautiful people and professionals, all in one place.
The pageant took place at the Diaz Hotel.
Where I come from, dreams aren't really taken seriously; people don't usually believe in you and your goals; instead they think you're crazy. I want to prove them wrong.
I am one of the first children in my community and school to host a pageant of this size.
It boosted my confidence highly, especially because I was bullied when I was small.
I want to show people I can be the best version of myself. One of the people I look up to is [model, pageant organiser, popular MC and anti-gender violence activist] Vuyolwethu Mfumbe of Mossel Bay.
The first pageant I hosted was at my school, Mr and Miss Hillcrest 2024, and from then people fell in love with my voice.
I see myself hosting even bigger events. Thank you, Karen Gray and Deon Lensing, for this opportunity. I cannot get over it.
Aphiwe Nonjiwu, a fellow grade 11 learner at Hillcrest Secondary School was Miss Eden SA first runner-up and Top Model second runner-up at the pageant.
Elishanne Karelse, a teacher from Hillcrest Secondary School, provided the entertainment and performed exceptionally well; people absolutely loved her.
