Michelle Sithole Crowned Inaugural Miss Cowdray Park in Vibrant Community Pageant
COWDRAY Park came alive on Saturday as 16-year-old Michelle Sithole was crowned the inaugural Miss Cowdray Park at a lively pageant held in the suburb. The event attracted a large turnout from the community, showcasing 12 contestants who competed not only in style but in substance. The pageant celebrated confidence, eloquence and talent, providing a platform for young girls to express themselves and build their self-belief. The competition highlighted the importance of personal growth, discipline and community engagement for participants. It also marked a historic moment for Cowdray Park, introducing an event aimed at empowering young women locally.
Twenty-two-year-old Unalina Ncube was named first runner-up, while 18-year-old Alinda Ncube took the second runner-up position after a closely contested showcase of poise and stage presence. Tracey Ncube earned the Miss Catwalk title for her confident runway display, while 17-year-old Diana Mlauzi was awarded Miss Personality. A local travel company sponsored a three-day, all-expenses-paid trip to Victoria Falls for the winners, adding a memorable reward to their achievements. The event successfully combined entertainment with a message of empowerment and community pride, leaving a lasting impression on attendees and participants alike.
In an interview, Michelle Sithole expressed her excitement and readiness to embrace the responsibilities that come with her title. “It feels absolutely amazing to win such a competition. I’m thrilled, grateful and inspired to represent my community. This title is not just about wearing a crown; it’s about responsibility. I want to use this platform to empower others, especially young girls, to chase their dreams with confidence and determination,” she said. Sithole emphasized that the journey to the crown required discipline, resilience and self-reflection. Rehearsals challenged contestants to develop communication skills, posture, confidence and stage presence, helping Sithole discover strengths she had not realized before.
A Lower Six student at Cowdray Park High School, Sithole plans to focus her reign on mentorship, mental health awareness and girl-child empowerment initiatives within the suburb. “My goal is to create safe spaces where girls can share their struggles, learn new skills and receive mentorship. Many young girls face pressure, self-doubt and social challenges. I want them to know that they are not alone and that their dreams are valid,” she explained. First runner-up Unalina Ncube said her recognition was proof that hard work and dedication pay off. “Being named first runner-up shows that effort and consistency matter. This experience gave me the confidence to believe in myself and to inspire other young girls to pursue their ambitions,” she added.
Second runner-up Alinda Ncube reflected on how the pageant helped her refine skills, build confidence and develop her personal brand. “I feel honoured to be recognised and grateful for the chance to share stories that spark conversations. This journey has helped me understand the importance of consistency, creativity and authenticity,” she said. Miss Catwalk winner Tracey Ncube said the title strengthened her passion for modelling and boosted her confidence. “This experience has taught me discipline, professionalism and resilience. I now believe I can compete on bigger stages,” she said. She also highlighted the sense of sisterhood among contestants, stressing the importance of teamwork and supporting one another throughout the competition.
Organisers described the turnout as exceeding expectations, reflecting a growing demand for platforms that nurture leadership, confidence and creativity among young women. Co-director Mayibongwe Mthunzi explained that the pageant was created to provide meaningful opportunities for girls in underprivileged communities, where mentorship and personal development platforms are often limited. “Our vision is to create a space where girls from Cowdray Park can realise their potential, build self-belief and access opportunities that can change their lives. We want them to feel seen, valued and supported,” he said. Hosting the event within the community was a deliberate decision to break psychological barriers and inspire girls to participate in platforms that celebrate their identity and potential.
Despite limited funding and challenges securing sponsorship due to the timing of the event, organisers remain committed to growing the pageant. Mthunzi confirmed that Miss Cowdray Park will become an annual event, with plans underway to scout and mentor a new group of contestants for the 2027 edition. “Miss Cowdray Park is here to stay. Our goal is to build a sustainable platform that continues to uplift, mentor and empower young girls year after year. We want this pageant to become a recognised institution of excellence, leadership and community pride,” he said. The success of the inaugural event signals a promising future for young girls in Cowdray Park and the creation of a lasting platform for empowerment and opportunity.
