Siphokazi Matshaka (19) began her contest journey on the 17th of July 2020 after she made it to Top 50 semi-finalist, chosen from a group of a thousand applicants. She was announced as part of the Top 26 finalists on the 12th of December 2020 soon after they went through a strict judging stage.
Ms Matshaka said she feels very privileged to have been chosen as part of something this wonderful.
“I am so excited to represent the communities of Tshwane on a nationwide scale, as well as to inspire and empower teens across South Africa. My mission is to encourage communication about mental health within townships” she said.
Ms Matshaka joined a global youth-based NGO named 40 seconds where she, along with a group of young people around the world work towards raising awareness about issues affecting people such in the countries as well as interacting and sharing cultures and experiences.
“I became the international director of an NGO that works towards raising awareness about premature babies called “The Madhatters Knit Foundation”. I am currently working towards making and collecting beanies for premature babies and donating them to hospitals, I would appreciate assistance in this endeavor,” she said
Ms Matshaka said she loves being creative, she paints, draws, and writes.
“I am also a model, I have been with a modeling school called Ace Models Pretoria East since last year, where I have gained a lot of confidence and skill,” she said.
Ms Matshaka said it feels surreal, she feels like she is in a dream state, she is very proud of herself and she is very grateful for all the people who helped her along her journey and encouraged her, especially her mother.
“In all honestly, I am grateful for this opportunity and I just want to do my best,” she said.
