MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Yamkela Gora's sights are set on making it to Johannesburg for the Miss South Africa Heritage competition, an annual beauty pageant focusing on South Africa's various cultures and heritages.
Yamkela (21) is one of 25 finalists competing for the crown. The contestants hail from all over South Africa, from Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal to the Free State and Mpumalanga.
"Being a finalist for Miss South Africa Heritage is a dream come true and an overwhelming honour. It fills my heart with pride and gratitude to stand among so many talented women who share the same passion for our beautiful heritage," she told Mossel Bay Advertiser.
Yamkela is a proud resident of Mossel Bay and will represent the Western Cape. She says growing up here has taught her understanding and has shaped her as a young woman.
Thrilling and humbling
When asked how the journey has been thus far, Yamkela describes it as both thrilling and humbling.
She explained that as finalists, the contestants are called to look beyond themselves and truly engage with the struggles facing their communities.
They are tasked with identifying real problems, whether it's poverty, lack of education or social issues, and then design projects that don't just offer quick fixes, but create lasting and positive change.
Yamkela, who is from Mossel Bay, visiting Isalathiso Primary School and donating sanitary pads.
Yamkela expressed how excited she is to make it onto the stage in Johannesburg later this year. "I'm looking forward to standing among strong, passionate women from all over South Africa, each one carrying her own story and strength," she said.
Miss South Africa Heritage won't be the first time Yamkela enters the world of beauty pageants. She has competed in local competitions before, which has helped to build her self-confidence.
She decided to apply for Miss South Africa Heritage to help further her passion for community work and show pride in her culture.
"I didn't join this journey to be seen. I joined to serve, to speak for those who feel invisible, and to show that true beauty lies in purpose."
Financial contributions
Although the experience has been rewarding for her in many ways, achieving her dream costs a pretty penny.
"When you're trying to make a difference, it can be heartbreaking to see how often good ideas are slowed down by a lack of resources. But through that struggle, I've become more creative, more determined and more reliant on God's strength," says Yamkela.
If anyone would like to financially contribute to Yamkela's journey, contact her on 063 988 7143.
Crowning the next Miss South Africa Heritage will take place in Soweto on 27 September.
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