Aseza to carry region's hopes

NELSON Mandela Bay beauty Aseza Matanzima will represent the city and the Eastern Cape in the race for the coveted Miss South Africa title in March.

Matanzima, 20, of Westering, is one of 24 semifinalists announced by Sun International yesterday.

Should she win the pageant, she will follow in reigning Miss SA Rolene Strauss's footsteps and strut her way to the Miss World pageant.

The 2011 Miss Eastern Cape Teen and Miss SA Teen runner-up was inspired by that year's queen, Melinda Bam.

"Not only is she dynamic and stylish, but she comes across as being very humble. Having an abundance of confidence and still being humble is such a great combination," she said.

Matanzima, who is a second-year accounting science student at Wits University, said being crowned Miss SA would give her the platform to grow as a person.

"I also think it would provide the opportunity to develop new qualities such as becoming more elegant. I have no doubt that this role would definitely enhance the confidence I already have and it would just add to my goal-driven mindset," she said.

Her role model is her mother, who has played the role of both mom and dad since her father died last year.

In her spare time, Matanzima enjoys going out with friends, reading and spending time with her family.

"When I am at home, I spend a lot of time at the beachfront and I've become very interested in doing gym this year. I'm also a chocolate lover which is probably why I enjoy baking and indulging in yummy treats. I don't think eating is a hobby, though."

Her message to young women and girls is to value and respect themselves. - Zandile Mbabela