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Name: Homba Mazaleni
Region: Gonubie, East London, Eastern Cape. My current residence is Bellville, Cape Town.
Age: 23
Qualifications and occupation: I'm a qualified sport scientist and student intern at the University of the Western Cape. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Human Movement Science and an Honours degree in Sport Science and am currently pursuing Biokinetics.
Why did you decide to enter Miss South Africa 2023 and why do you deserve to win this title?
I’ve seen how much positive influence a person can make when they become a part of the Miss South Africa family. Its inspirational how much these women achieved, especially when it comes to the social causes they advocate for. I want to be a part of that. I want to build on my ideas and meet people who will remodel the way that I think. Miss South Africa is a tool that is used to change and better the lives of communities around South Africa. I would use this platform to bring light to the current state of accessibility of health and wellness in low-income areas. The most important concept for me coming into this competition is being a social servant. Access to health in South Africa has always been difficult, especially for those who are socially and economically disadvantaged. I’ve experienced it first-hand where a misdiagnosis led to the untimely death of a beloved family member. Where you live shouldn’t determine the quality of care you receive and should have no bearing on the healthcare workers you have access to.
What do you think is the most important part of a beauty pageant?
The ability to bring awareness to a social issue, and the fact that every single contestant is there with a strong voice and mindset to bring change to the world that they live in. This is what inspires young girls in South Africa - seeing a little bit of themselves in someone who has the ability to stand up for something they believe in and giving them the feeling that they can do it too.
What qualities should a woman possess to make a notable difference in the world?
The most important attributes are the ability to engage selflessly with community, be passionate about what you're doing and be able to put yourself in someone else's situation and listen to what is being said. Being passionate about what you're doing is difficult and tiring, but when you have love for what you're doing it fuels you to continue.
Why do you believe that the Miss South Africa pageant should be more inclusive and representative of society?
Miss South Africa is a mirror to our South African society and should look like the population its representing. It’s a platform that inspires young women and in our SA society and there is no one type of woman. No woman should be left in the margins.
Tell us about your family.
My father Sidima works at Eskom as a manager, while my mother Nomith worked at the Department of Education as a clerk and is my biggest supporter. I have two siblings – Thembi, who is an electrical engineer at Transnet and Qhawe, who is a final year student studying speech, hearing and language pathology at Stellenbosch University.
How are you playing your part in your community and in South Africa?
Community recreational therapy is a big part of my life and I’m a part of a team of students who go out in Belhar and provide a space where members of the community can come together and play. I also volunteer at a stroke rehabilitation centre during the holidays when I’m back home in East London.
What do you love about South Africa?
The ability to work through anything even with the overwhelming adversity we face on a daily basis.
How do you define success?
Failing many times and being patient enough for your yes.
Tell us 5 short facts about yourself (including something people may not know about you)
In grade 10 I picked up a rock and have never lost it. I’ve had it now for seven years.
I’ve been part of a team that set camera traps for cheetah
I love going to the gym
I play the guitar
I know the first 10 elements of the periodic table.
What has been your biggest disappointment and how did you bounce back?
I failed to get into the Biokinetics programme that I had worked five years to get into. I told myself that I’d do whatever it takes and applied for Sport Science and worked hard. It wasn’t easy leaving my family and friends. But I reapplied and got in.
What do you like most about yourself?
My ability to start conversations with anyone. I really enjoy asking people about how their day went.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
The shame I used to carry about being queer and androgenous. Queerness is multifaceted and should’ve been my source of pride growing up and not my shame.
What do you think is?the biggest problem facing young people today?
Speaking from my own observations of South African youth, it would be the generations of economic inequality which affects access to fundamental resources such as quality of health care and education, slowing down the progress of our black youth.
Who are your local and international female role models and why?
Locally, Lethsego Zulu because she’s got a lot of empathy, has lived a full inspirational life, uses movement and exercise as a tool to better her community and sometimes runs and bikes for charity. Internationally, Serena Williams because she is such a champion. Her mindset and determination has been incredible to witness.
If you could have lunch with anyone famous - dead or alive - who would it be and why?
Brittany Howard. We’d talk for hours on what it feels like to make the type of music she makes.
What do you do in your spare time?
I play the guitar, catch up on a TV show or lift weights
What is your message to young girls and young women in South Africa?
Own who you are and walk into every situation society had deemed not for you and be expansive. You are as big and as bold as every dream you’ve had.
SHORT FIRE QUESTIONS
What are you reading right now?
Deep Workby Cal Newport
What music are you listening to?
Kendrick Lamar’s album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppersand Omar Apollo’s album Ivory
What are your favourite TV shows?
BEEF, Ozark, Feel Good
What is your favourite meal?
Steam bread and stew
What’s your guilty pleasure?
A bag of cheese Doritos
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Going home to ezilalini zam, eDutwya eFalakhahla. Watching the sun set with all my little nieces and nephews making a noise in the background.
What is your greatest fear?
Waking up in 10 years’ time and realising I never tried hard at anything.
What is your greatest extravagance?
My Ray Bans
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
‘Yehake’ and ‘Salam for your Body’
When and where were you happiest?
When I was volunteering at a nature conservation camp in Limpopo .
Which talent would you most like to have?
Surfing
What is your most treasured possession?
The necklace my mom gifted me. She used to wear it every day before she gave it to me.
What do you most value in your friends?
Holding space for each other to be vulnerable and just listening to each other after a long day.
What is your motto?
You’re one no closer to your yes.
Your social media tags:
- Facebook: Homba Mazaleni
- Instagram: Homba_mazaleni
- Twitter:@hombamazaleni
- TikTok: N/A
