Grandmothers honoured in community beauty pageant
The community reminded these women of their beauty in an uplifting way.
A beautifully cheerful event was held at Yende Street, Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, in May. At this event, 15 grandmothers competed in a beauty pageant, organised by the Sukuma Mbokodo Support Group.
The organisation's founder, Mama Dizzy Mbuli, felt that grandmothers were being neglected in society, which inspired her to start the organisation. The group focuses on helping grandmothers, women, and children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In particular, this event was a way to keep grandmothers positive, a reminder that they can still dress up nicely, and most importantly, that they are beautiful.
Of the 15 contestants, 78-year-old Gogo Margaret Fatyela was crowned Miss Sukuma Mbokodo 2025.
Fatyela told The Bulrushes publication, "I am grateful and honoured to be chosen as a winner, this means a lot to me. The organisation has changed my life. I look forward to attending meetings and engagements with other members every Tuesday."
The pageant was lighthearted and joyful as the seniors paraded down a red carpet before their peers, community members, journalists, and politicians.
The event even included a play coordinated by the Toxic Theatre Production, which highlighted the abuse of the elderly.
Mbuli said, "This pageant was to remind them that they are beautiful, and can still dress well … instead of stressing about dying. I am happy to see them walking tall and beaming confidently…they are happy to be here."
Watch the video below from YouTube that shows snippets from the event.
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