MOSSEL BAY NEWS - As a finalist in the Miss South Africa Heritage competition, Yamkela Gora (21) has been engaged in charity work, helping communities in and around her home town of Mossel Bay.

Each of the 25 finalists in the competition is tasked with looking beyond themselves and truly engaging with their respective communities. 

Part of this is identifying real problems where they might be able to make a difference, big or small.

Whether those problems are poverty, a lack of education or social issues, the finalists are asked to design projects that don't just offer quick fixes, but create lasting and positive change.

However, Gora has been involved in charity work since before competing in Miss Heritage South Africa. 

"Helping others has always been something I care about. The competition has helped me reach more people and do even more for my community," she says.

She aims to make a donation at least once a month, citing her main motivation as knowing what it feels like to need help herself.

"Some people feel embarrassed when they can't afford things like sanitary pads, and I want to take away that shame and help them feel proud and confident."

Yamkela Gora visits Isalathiso Primary School and donates some sanitary pads.One of the main items donated is sanitary pads to girls in Mossel Bay, as well as food, clothes, school supplies such as books and pens, and toiletries such as soap and toothpaste.

Gora believes we all have something to give, whether it's a physical donation or simply our time and energy.

She is currently focused on organising a soup kitchen for Mandela Day today, 18 July. Not only will she help to make the soup, but will also serve warm meals to people in need throughout Mossel Bay.

The next Miss Heritage South Africa is expected to be crowned in Soweto in September. 

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