Ndyebo Lurayi, from Midrand in Johannesburg, has entered the Miss South Africa 2023 competition and placed in the top 30.
Let’s get to know the beauty.
Why did you decide to enter Miss South Africa 2023 and why do you deserve to win this title?
I have always known that my purpose in life is to spread a message of hope and prosperity and become an influential person who can bring about sustainable change in people’s lives, but I wasn’t quite sure how to achieve this goal. In 2010 my mother surprised me with tickets to a prestigious event, and on that day, as a 13-year-old at Sun City, I was inspired by Bokang Montjane. Seeing someone who looked just like me owning the stage made me feel beautiful and ignited a passion within me.
This year I feel ready to pursue my dreams because I have reached a point where I am confident enough to show my vulnerability and strength to our country and the world. I believe that I deserve the title because of my selflessness. Although I am often reminded to put myself first, I have come to realize that being selfless is not a negative trait. I find joy in making others happy, without sacrificing my own happiness. Moreover, I strongly believe in serving and volunteering.
What do you think is the most important part of a beauty pageant?
Preparation and planning is so important. You need to know your end goal, prepare for the various steps leading to the main event and plan how you will sustain the title once you have won.
What qualities should a woman possess to make a notable difference in the
world?
While there are many qualities that are important for a woman to have, I believe that resilience, empathy and vision are three of the most crucial ones. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and stay focused on achieving one’s goals. It also involves being adaptable to different circumstances, which is essential for making a difference in the world. An empathetic woman is able to understand and connect with people on an emotional level. Finally, having a clear vision is critical for giving direction and hope to oneself and others. As the saying goes, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
Why do you believe that the Miss South Africa pageant should be more inclusive and representative of society?
South Africa is known for its diversity and the concept of a rainbow nation. As an influential platform, Miss South Africa should embody these qualities. Miss South Africa can set a positive example for others to follow, as people often model their behaviour based on what they see around them. I believe that the woman who is crowned Miss South Africa has the power to shape what is considered acceptable for women in society.
How are you playing your part in your community and in South Africa?
I’m a volunteer at United Way South Africa, which is a platform to assist high school students in selecting the career paths that align with their personalities. Recently, I received a nomination to travel to Ireland as part of the United Way organisation. I volunteer at my local church, and just as I was once taught photography, I have now been granted the chance to pass on this skill set to others and by doing so I aim to empower them to establish careers in this field.
Tell us 5 short facts about yourself (including something people may not know
about you)
1. I won a car in 2019 through an entrepreneurship competition
2. I share a birthday with my mother
3. I’ve watched the TV series The Office seven times
4. Eat, Pray, Love is my favourite book
5. When I cook, I pretend to be Gordon Ramsay
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would still be the same Ndyebo in the same body, perhaps be more assertive and confrontational. But I like me, I like me a lot! What do you think is the biggest problem facing young people today Unemployment, which leads to discontentment and eventually an unnecessary consumption of alcohol and drugs. Also, allowing social media to shape ideas of what life should be and
should look like instead of trusting one’s own path and course.
