Family joy as model in SA final

MISS SA finalist Ziphozakhe Zokufa has her mother to thank for her passion for beauty and fashion. The Port Elizabeth model and student is one of 12 women vying for the sought-after title – and a brand new platinum crown – at Sun City this weekend.

The 22-year-old is the only Eastern Cape representative.

Her mother, teacher Feziwe Zokufa, who also modelled when she was younger, recalled her daughter's early interest.

"We used to dress up and model for fun – I guess that's where her love for modelling started.

"So as she matured, she entered her first modelling competition in 2009, then continued bringing home crowns," she said.

Feziwe, who could barely talk when Ziphozakhe phoned from Cape Town to say she was a finalist, said prayer had brought her daughter this far.

"Her home is her foundation and I can say we definitely raised her with the necessary morals.

"Therefore we have faith that she will be successful."

Feziwe described her daughter, a South African School of Film, Television and Dramatic Art (Afda) television production student, as a hardworking, confident and humble person who was quiet and did not immediately show emotion.

"As a baby she hardly ever cried. She is such a quiet person and wouldn't say much.

"Even when she's with her friends, they always end up joking with her about her silent behaviour, so this could be classified as a weakness in the modelling industry," Feziwe said.

And while they support their daughter 100%, the proud parents believe education comes first.

"She's doing her second year in television production and she will complete her studies, but the final decision is hers and we will support her throughout the entire process.

"She is indeed a strong humble young woman," Feziwe said.

Dad Luyanda Zokufa said: "She's not only doing this for herself but also for her country and I believe she will be a success. It's a definite honour from God and I support her all the way.

"We trust in God for her success in the competition and just know that she will persevere."

Ziphozakhe was not available for comment.

Miss SA will be announced at a glitzy pageant at the Sun City Superbowl on Sunday. The event will be broadcast live on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) from 5.30pm. - Chanice Koopman