By Palesa Ndinisa
On the 17th of May 2025, Daring Youth South Africa, in collaboration with Enhle’s Ubuntu Alliance, officially revealed their new ambassadors who will be representing the pageant until its first crowning in August 2025. The launch took place at Swan Lake Suites, Benoni, where three ambassadors, two queens and a king, were announced as representatives.
The event was graced by pageantry powerhouse, Thabang Ntuli, known as Doll Face, who was the Creative Director for Miss International South Africa. Ntuli is now currently the Creative Director for Daring Youth South Africa.
“The main objective of the pageant is to expose diverse young people’s cultures to the world. It is to become an educational platform and an empowering tool for youth. Our mission is to become a leading project that grants young children and teenagers access to limited resources, to improve their standards, self esteem, and confidence. We want boy children to be accommodated in the pageant industry,” expressed Landi Khumalo, Director of Daring Youth South Africa.
Boitumelo Tefu, Miss Teen Universe winner, also honoured the event with her presence and participation among other dignified guests.
The three ambassadors includes Enhle Mdakane, a 15-year-old from Benoni. Mdakane has already made history as the first black young woman to be crowned Miss Eco Teen International. Her journey from fashion runways to community involvement showcases her commitment to making a positive change. Okuhle Dlamini, 13 years of age, originally from Newcastle in KZN but now currently residing in Benoni, has many crowns under her name, and stage presence remarkably remains her trademark. Her participation as an ambassador will encourage other young children to apply for Daring Youth South Africa and potentially see themselves in her. Prince Ramphisa, a 19-year-old from Benoni will be representing young boys and highlighting that pageants are not only about girls. Ramphisa’s participation helps young men in redefining traditional masculinity by celebrating physical attributes that of a male figure.
“This title has influenced boy children to be confident and participate in pageants. The stigma that pageants are for girls lowers our self esteem as males. I’m a fashion model, but being an ambassador of Daring Youth South Africa has truly accommodated me and given me much more confidence and comfort in this industry,” added Ramphisa proudly.
“This kind of work inspires me mainly because I would like to have my own international pageant in future. I want young kids to have knowledge about modelling, beauty education and body positivity. However, for now, my focus is scheduling my life accordingly as I have school, public speaking classes and modelling,” uttered Mdakane.
The search for the first ever Mr. and Miss Daring Youth South Africa has begun. Applications are open. Upcoming models are also encouraged to apply. Interested participants can follow Daring Youth SA on Facebook and instagram for more information.
