BY NOXOLO DLAMINI
BUHLENI- Fresh from being crowned Miss Mayiwane, Sobahle Alicia Ndwandwe is embracing her new role with humility, determination and a strong commitment to making a meaningful difference in her community.
The 22-year-old from Buhleni Matfuntini describes herself as a grounded, confident and compassionate young woman who was raised in a family that values discipline, respect and hard work. She believes these principles have shaped her character and prepared her for leadership.
Ndwandwe holds a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety from BSA Training Centre, where she gained knowledge in risk assessment, workplace safety, hazard identification and first aid. She says her studies strengthened her passion for helping others and equipped her with practical skills to serve her community.
Inspired by the resilient women in her life, particularly her mother, Ndwandwe entered the Miss Mayiwane pageant with a vision of becoming a positive role model for young girls.
“I wanted to become the kind of woman I wished I had seen growing up—someone who is grounded, passionate about her community and committed to making a difference,” she said.
Preparing for the competition required more than perfecting her appearance. She focused on building confidence, strengthening her mindset and improving her stage presence through consistent practice, believing that true preparation is about becoming a woman of substance.
Winning the crown was an emotional moment filled with gratitude towards God, her family and everyone who supported her journey. She says the title carries a great responsibility and reminds her that leadership is about serving others.
As Miss Mayiwane, Ndwandwe believes her responsibility is to represent her community with dignity, inspire young people and serve wholeheartedly. She hopes to become a bridge between local youth and opportunities while proudly showcasing the culture and potential of Mayiwane.
One of her key priorities during her reign is mental health awareness. She plans to establish Mind Matters in Mayiwane, a platform aimed at creating safe spaces where young people can openly discuss emotional wellness and access support. She also hopes to spend time visiting elderly members of the community to ensure they feel valued and remembered.
“The crown is not just about me. It is an opportunity to serve and make a lasting difference,” she said.
Ndwandwe believes beauty goes beyond physical appearance. To her, it is reflected in kindness, service, character and the ability to positively impact the lives of others. She also emphasises that confidence empowers young women to make better decisions, pursue their dreams and uplift those around them.
She encourages aspiring beauty queens to remain authentic and focus on their purpose rather than the crown itself.
Looking ahead, Ndwandwe hopes to grow as a leader while implementing programmes that empower young people and promote mental wellness. She also dreams of representing Mayiwane on larger platforms, believing every opportunity would allow her to showcase the beauty, talent and strength of her community.
Beyond pageantry, she enjoys cooking and learning traditional recipes from her mother, saying food is one of the ways she stays connected to her culture. Her mother remains her greatest inspiration, having taught her resilience, compassion and the importance of serving others despite life’s challenges.
Many people may be surprised to learn that the confident beauty queen once struggled with public speaking. Overcoming that fear has strengthened her belief that one’s message is always greater than one’s fears.
If she could describe her reign in one word, it would be “Bold”—a reflection of her commitment to speaking about difficult issues, leading with compassion and inspiring positive change.
She concluded by thanking her family, especially her mother and sister, for their unwavering love, prayers and encouragement. She also urged the people of Mayiwane to continue believing in themselves, supporting one another and working together to build a stronger community.
“If we love, support and serve one another, Mayiwane will not only survive—it will thrive,” she concluded.
(Courtesy Pics)
