Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube, [email protected]
COWDRAY Park came alive on Saturday as 16-year-old Michelle Sithole was crowned the inaugural Miss Cowdray Park at a vibrant pageant held in the suburb.
The event, which drew a massive turnout from the community, saw 12 girls taking to the ramp in a contest that celebrated not only style but substance.
Twenty-two-year-old Unalina Ncube was named first runner-up, with Alinda Ncube, 18, taking the second runner-up spot after a tightly contested showcase of stage presence and eloquence. Tracey Ncube, 21, claimed the Miss Catwalk title for her confident runway display while Diana Mlauzi, 17, walked away with the Miss Personality crown.
Adding sparkle to the competition, a local travel company sponsored a three-day, all-expenses-paid trip to Victoria Falls for the winners.
In an interview, the newly crowned Miss Cowdray Park, who is passionate about youth empowerment, said she is ready to embrace the responsibilities that come with the title.
“It feels absolutely amazing to win such a competition. I’m thrilled, grateful and inspired to represent my community. This title is not just about wearing a crown; it’s about responsibility. I want to use this platform to empower others, especially young girls, to chase their dreams with confidence and determination,” Sithole said.
She said the road to the crown was demanding, requiring discipline, resilience and self-reflection.
“The rehearsals pushed us beyond our comfort zones. We had to work on our communication skills, confidence, posture and discipline. Through this process, I discovered strengths I didn’t know I had. I now feel more confident speaking in public and engaging with people from different backgrounds,” she said.
A Lower Six student at Cowdray Park High School, Sithole said her reign will focus on mentorship, mental health awareness and girl-child empowerment initiatives within the suburb.
“My goal is to create safe spaces where girls can share their struggles, learn new skills and receive mentorship. Many young girls face pressure, self-doubt and social challenges. I want them to know that they are not alone and that their dreams are valid.”
First runner-up Unalina Ncube said the title was proof that her hard work and determination had paid off.
“Being named first runner-up means recognition of the hard work and discipline that went into the rehearsals and lessons we attended. It shows that effort and consistency paid off,” she said.
Ncube added that the pageant was a turning point in her life, giving her the confidence to pursue her ambitions.
“This was my first pageant and it gave me a huge confidence boost. I’ve learnt to believe in myself and trust my abilities. The title also gives me a platform to inspire other young girls in Cowdray Park to believe they, too, can achieve greatness,” she said.
Second runner-up Alinda Ncube said the pageant gave her a platform to refine her skills, build confidence and develop her personal brand.
“I feel honoured to be recognised and grateful for the chance to share stories that spark conversations. This journey has helped me understand the importance of consistency, creativity and authenticity,” she said.
Tracy Ncube, who won the Miss Catwalk title, said the recognition boosted her confidence and strengthened her passion for modelling.
“This title has given me the courage to pursue my dreams in the fashion and modelling industry. I’ve always loved the runway, but this experience has taught me discipline, professionalism and resilience. I now believe I can compete on bigger stages,” she said.
She added that the pageant highlighted the importance of teamwork and self-expression.
“We supported each other throughout the journey. It wasn’t just a competition, but a sisterhood. I learnt to express myself confidently while respecting and uplifting others,” she said.
Organisers said the response exceeded expectations, reflecting a growing appetite for platforms that nurture confidence, leadership and creativity, among young women. The pageant’s co-director Mayibongwe Mthunzi said the initiative was born out of the need to create meaningful opportunities for girls in underprivileged communities, where access to mentorship and personal development platforms is often limited.
“Our vision is to create a space where girls from Cowdray Park can realise their potential, build self-belief and access opportunities that can change their lives. We want them to feel seen, valued and supported, and to understand that with the right guidance and exposure, they can create sustainable livelihoods for themselves,” he said.
Mthunzi said hosting the pageant within Cowdray Park was a deliberate move aimed at breaking psychological barriers that often prevent young girls from participating in such platforms.
“We intentionally brought the event to the community. We wanted girls to see that opportunities can exist right where they live. This platform was created specifically for them to shine, to dream big and to take pride in their identity,” he said.
Despite the success, Mthunzi acknowledged that limited funding posed a major challenge, as the event struggled to attract sufficient sponsorship, partly due to its timing at the beginning of the year.
“We didn’t secure as much sponsorship as we had hoped, but this has taught us valuable lessons. Next year, we’ll start preparations much earlier to allow room for meaningful partnerships, better planning and full sponsorship.
This will enable us to improve the quality and reach of the pageant,” he said.
He confirmed that the Miss Cowdray Park pageant will now be an annual event, with plans already underway to scout and mentor a new list of contestants for the 2027 edition.
“Miss Cowdray Park is here to stay. Our goal is to build a sustainable platform that continues to uplift, mentor and empower young girls year after year. We want this pageant to become a recognised institution of excellence, leadership and community pride,” said Mthunzi.
derick.khumalo