Lulama Thabisile Khwela, a 20-year-old born and raised in KwaMsomi, Bizana, Eastern Cape, is on a mission to empower young women in her community through her new initiative, the Miss Infinity Beauty Pageant. Inspired by her own experiences in beauty pageants such as Miss Angelic and Miss Heritage, Khwela saw an opportunity to create a platform that goes beyond physical beauty, focusing on self-discipline, behavior, and empowerment for girls aged 10 to 25.
“I wanted to gather youngsters, specifically girls, and teach them the importance of self-discipline and positive behavior,” Khwela shared. “My experiences in pageants showed me the impact such events can have on one’s confidence and development, so I decided to create a space where young women can showcase their talents and build their self-esteem.”
Khwela’s vision for Miss Infinity extends beyond the event itself. She aims to propel her contestants to greater heights by connecting with larger pageants and covering registration fees for the winners. “I want to push my contestants to higher levels. I plan to partner with bigger pageants, so our queens have a pathway to pursue more opportunities.”
The pageant will focus on both outer and inner beauty. “The qualities I’m looking for include flexibility, a graceful walk, and a genuine smile. We’ll have stage performances to showcase contestants’ flexibility and outer beauty, but we also value intelligence. Our judges will ask questions designed to highlight their inner qualities and sharp thinking,” Khwela explained.
The first Miss Infinity event is scheduled for 11 December 2024, and Khwela hopes it will not only be a showcase of the contestants’ talents but also a community celebration. “We’re excited to host this inaugural event and hope to collaborate with Pondoland Times to share the stories of our contestants. This is our first event, and it will be a learning experience for us as we work with our first group of young women.”
Khwela believes that Miss Infinity has the potential to transform lives and build a brighter future for its contestants. “We aim to shape and sharpen young women for the future, ensuring they contribute positively to the community. By encouraging them to face their fears and believe in themselves, we are balancing the emphasis on physical beauty with the importance of self-confidence and inner strength.”
However, organizing the event has not been without challenges. Securing a venue was one of the biggest hurdles Khwela faced. “Finding a suitable location was difficult because most venues required rental fees, which we couldn’t afford. I eventually reached out to the local headmen, who introduced me to the community. They loved the idea of a youth-centered initiative, and we were able to secure a venue with their support. I also borrowed money to obtain a business stamp due to our financial constraints,” she explained.
Khwela’s future plans for Miss Infinity include expanding to other communities. “I want to visit other areas and introduce this platform to more young women. That’s how I plan to grow Miss Infinity and make a difference in the lives of my contestants.”
With passion and determination, Lulama Khwela is making her mark in Bizana, providing young women with a platform to showcase their talents, build confidence, and reach for their dreams. As Miss Infinity prepares for its debut event, the community eagerly anticipates an inspiring showcase of beauty, talent, and empowerment.
