Humanities student is a finalist for Miss Grace SA Beauty Pageant

UKZN Housing Alumnus and Pietermaritzburg born Ms Sarah Shezi is a finalist for the Miss Grace South Africa Beauty Pageant in the 18-35 years category, Empowerment of Women in South Africa. The pageant aims to mentor, groom and develop African female leaders in their respective fields.

Contestants are challenged to advocate for change in statistics around women, challenged through various tasks and judged on their leadership and people skills as much as their on stage presentation.

Shezi will be competing for the title in April 2019 in Randburg, Johannesburg.

"I chose to enter the pageant due to its unconventional vision and mission. It accepted women from all walks of life and encourages them to embrace their unique beauty while redefining it," she said.

Winning this pageant will create a platform for Shezi to influence a wider spectrum of lives. 'My dream is to be an unconventional ground-breaker who redefines beauty, wisdom and is a source of empowerment. The winner will be involved in the projects that Miss Grace SA has initiated to pioneer the training and development of women in SA through various programmes and support groups, the construction and set up of Shelters for Victims of Crime and fundraising for safe houses for the healing and restoration of women," said Shezi.

As part of her community work, Shezi is involved in the #PinkfistUp movement to create awareness on women and child abuse. She has collaborated with other initiatives, such as the Virtuous Women Ambassadors and Women of Impact that also empower women and further promote the #PinkfistUp campaign.

Shezi is appealing to the public to vote for her by SMSing KhululiweS to 35109. Votes are still open until the grand finale in April. "Voting is unlimited, so people can vote as many times as they wish to. People can also follow my journey on Instagram at sarah_mgsafinalist2019 and on my Facebook handle Khuliliwe Sarah Shezi," she said. Those who wish to partner with the fundraising for safe homes may contact her directly.