Hlanganiso Mathebula, a student at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), recently won the title of Indoni Tsonga Queen. She studies physiotherapy and is passionate about health care, proudly serving as a cultural ambassador for the Tsonga people.

Mathebula's journey began in 2019 when she was inspired by Tsatsawani Makamu, a fellow church member who recited poems. Following in her footsteps, Hlanganiso began performing poems at church and later entered the Indoni Cultural South Africa competition in 2020. Although she finished as the second runner-up that year, she returned in 2024 to win the crown.

The Indoni Miss Cultural pageant will take place on 14 December in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal, where Mathebula will represent the VaTsonga. She believes the Indoni platform will allow her to inspire pride in her Tsonga heritage and foster unity among people. Her goal is to use this title to empower others and highlight the importance of cultural identity.

"Modelling gives me a platform to represent who I am and where I come from. It’s not just about fashion but about sending a message of pride in our culture," she said.

Hlanganiso hopes to use her position as Tsonga Queen to implement community projects focused on cultural education and empowerment programmes. "Winning this title allows me to bring people together and create initiatives that address local challenges," she said. Her dream is to inspire the next generation to embrace their roots and work towards building a stronger, united community.