A South African teenager won the Miss Eco Teen International Pageant and made history in the process.
Global (16 November 2023) — A South African teenager recently made history in the pageantry world after she was crowned Miss Eco Teen International and reportedly became the first young black woman to do so.
Fourteen-year-old Enhle Madakane competed in the Miss Eco Teen International Pageant earlier this month in Egypt, where she represented South Africa, her Zulu heritage and her passion for the environment on the global stage.
It was a moment of enormous pride when she was crowned the world’s young African queen of environmental advocacy, not just in an individual sense, but as the beginning of what she hopes will pave the way forward for more young black women to shine in their talents and ideas.
Enhle’s environmental activism and cultural pride were equally represented in her competitive wardrobe. Her national costume translated the Zulu kingdom’s resilience and spirit into fashion, while her bright (and category-winning) eco-gown conveyed what repurposed waste can look like with enough care.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Enhle was received with a roaring welcome when she touched down at O.R Tambo International Airport and now takes on an inspiring period of reign where she has pledged to use her newfound title and platform to continue pushing for environmental awareness and advocacy for her generation.
View this post on Instagram
Meanwhile, in other pageantry news, Bryoni Govender is representing South Africa at the Miss Universe Pageant, and the final is set for this weekend. Given South Africa’s winning streak this year on all fronts, we won’t be surprised if she should take home the crown.
by 