A Born Queen Rises to the Occasion
Meet Zenande Owami Mbebe, a 13-year-old who has already achieved personally and done for her community more than a lot of people do in a lifetime. Earlier in 2023, Zenande was crowned Miss Pre Teen International South Africa, a pageant for young ladies between the ages of 13 and 15. The win was the latest remarkable
milestone in Zenande’s exceptional young life.
Zenande was raised in Dlamini, Soweto, by her grandmother, Zodwa Mbebe, from an early age, as her mom was unable to raise her. Ms Mbebe Snr has always been an active supporter of Zenande’s budding career as a beauty queen and performer.
“We could already see she has talent from as early as age two. She would always win the audience during events at creche with her personality”, she said.
Although granny Mbebe is now mostly bedridden due to her disability, she continues to support her granddaughter’s talents and development despite her physical circumstances. Winning the Miss Pre-Teen International South Africa pageant was yet another feather in Zenande’s cap, recognising her above-average capacity for a child her age for community initiatives. These include a backyard
vegetable garden project she started to support indigent households and pensioners, as well as representing children in her community at a service to honour the life of Khayalethu Magadla, the six-year-old who tragically drowned after falling into a sinkhole in Dlamini. Speaking from the podium shared with the Johannesburg Mayor, Zenande made an impassioned plea for the basic needs and rights of children in her community to be prioritised.
Zenande has grabbed every opportunity presented by her Miss Pre-Teen platform to magnify her community work, developing herself further and supporting her peers in the modelling and pageantry arena in the process. She has participated in charitable and fundraising events such as the MTUSA Charitable Netball Tournament, contributed as a sponsor to the Miss Deaf RSA pageant, and raised awareness on health matters such
as Cancer Awareness month. Social issues that affect the youth remain close to her heart, and she has continued to speak and give talks on the effects of substance abuse and the importance of a healthy environment for growing minds. She has also been actively involved in the pageantry community, building networks with other Queens, and supporting various pageantry events. Her hard work and dedication recently earned her recognition as an international ambassador for South Africa, at the South African Childrens Awards.
It is clear to see why Zenande stood out from the beginning. Beside her radiant smile and fresh-faced features, this young beauty has
natural charisma, passion for community service and advocacy, as well as a capacity for collaborative leadership beyond her years. She is an outstanding candidate to represent South Africa internationally, and she is poised to do just that at the Kids & Teens Pageant Global taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 03 to 10 March 2024. The only challenge standing in the way of this determined young lady is resources to make the trip to Malaysia. She currently does not have a sponsor and has started a campaign to raise funds for her trip.
“This opportunity is not only about pageantry but is a life-changing program” Zenande said, “It will take me out of my comfort zone and unleash a new version of myself”. If this current version of Zenande is anything to go by, the future Zenande can only achieve the extraordinary and positively impact the lives of many, exponentially.
The amount being raised is R150 000, to cover accommodation, flights, meals, outfits, and other necessities. If you would like to donate, or contribute as a sponsor, please contact Ntombizodwa Mbebe on 082 928 8354. Cash donations can be made to;
Bank: ABSA
Acc Name: Zenande O Mbebe
Acc No: 9330066624
Follow Zenande’s journey on her Facebook Page @ Zenande Princess Zeeyonce Mbebe