Mercy Makwelo, of Plumstead, has been selected as a finalist in the Ms Africa Elite pageant.
Ms Makwelo, 36, is a social worker for the Department of Social Development.
“It has always been my dream to be a model irrespective of my weight and height,” she said. “I want to be a role model to many and make them understand that it is possible to become anything we wish to be in life.”
Ms Africa Elite was started in 2016 with the aim of supporting charities across the continent and improving the lives of young women. The pageant has 50 finalists from across the continent, including Cameroon, Kenya, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Ms Makwelo said that as someone who mentors and counsels girls she supports the pageant’s objectives.
She also also gives motivational talks about overcoming life struggles as someone raised in a disadvantaged family.
“* had to start working at an early age at 15. I managed to study and work at the same time and completed my degree in social work in 2015. Being a social worker gave me an opportunity to motivate foster care parents to do their best in raising the children in their care. “’
Ms Makwelo has also written a book, Journey to a Peaceful Life, which she launched in February. Ms Makwelo is looking for development projects she can be part of in the run-up to the pageant finals in Buffelspoort from October 24 to November 2.
She is asking the public to vote for her by SMSing “MsE05” to 47018. SMSes cost R2 and free bundles do not apply.
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