Ellah Munyai aims to shape children's future

A Miss South Africa Heritage 2024 finalist, Ellah Munyai (21) from Shirley village, hopes to inspire and shape the future of children.

The young beauty from Vhembe has already won two titles. Ellah was crowned as the first-ever Miss Soutpansberg 2022/2023 and then became 1^st Princess in the Miss Golden Dreams 2023/2024 pageant.

Ellah will compete with 19 other finalists from nine provinces at the crowning ceremony scheduled for 28 September, with the venue yet to be confirmed.

Ellah's passion for modelling started in 2018 when, at the age of 16, she discovered her love for the art. “I started to do more research about it. I entered for my first pageant in 2022 when I was 19, and I made it to the top 10. Going home without a title did not discourage me; instead, it helped me realise that modelling is not about your physical appearance but more about the inner you,” she said.

Beyond her personal aspirations, Ellah envisions modelling as a lifelong opportunity for communities. “For me, modelling is not just a career but a platform to inspire and uplift others. I want young children to look at me and see success and a future. To those who have lost hope, I want them to look at me and see the true meaning of determination and not giving up,” she said.

Entertainment - Date: 16 March 2024

Thembi Siaga

Thembi Siaga started as an intern during 2021. He assisted with video photography and editing. He also produced numerous small documentaries, focusing on the Vhembe region and its people. Currently he works as a freelance journalist, covering stories in the Elim area.

Thembi studied at the Tshwane University of Technology, where he completed his diploma in Journalism in 2021.

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