Times Of Swaziland: ‘TITLES COME WITH RESPONSIBILITIES’

‘TITLES COME WITH RESPONSIBILITIES’
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BY PHESHEYA KUNENE on 05/05/2019 07:56:00


She is still overwhelmed by the joy that followed soon after she was announced
as the eventual winner.
But the reserved beauty queen is ready to take the pageant world by storm. She
was part of the contestants who took part in the Miss UNESWA competition on
Friday evening. When Nelile arrived at Kwaluseni to study Journalism and Mass
Communication, she had no idea she’d end up being a beauty pageant contestant.
Nelile sat down with STYLE to share how she exuded grace, style and confidence
that won her the Miss Fresher’s last month.
Tell us about yourself
Just like Dolly Parton’s famous hit, ‘Coat of many colours’, I am one.
What do I mean? I mean that I am interested in many things. For instance, I have
recently fallen in love with politics; I find them interesting and promoting
critical thinking, raising curiosity, and all the things that make people
innovative, etc. Basically, they sharpen one’s mind, which I find super cool.
I love learning new things every day. One of the things that help me do so is
watching National Geographic.
I almost forgot, writing is one of my passions, as well as reading. I have been
best friends with pen and paper since I was 9 years old. Writing helps you think
in a certain way, communicate with yourself and have inner peace. Reading
broadens your knowledge, which also helps you think in a certain way, be a
better version of yourself, provided you read about things that help you become
better tomorrow, than you are today.
I have never been into sports. Well, that is, until I was introduced to chess, a
mind-challenger. Sadly though, chess doesn’t have that much support locally.
Nonetheless, the chess board is still one of my favourites.
Describe the feeling of winning the UNESWA crown...
Being trusted with this crown is something else; it’s a great honour. Anyhow,
carrying the title has been so far, simultaneously humbling and a little
stressful. I mean, some people just see you in a totally different way: some
overly respect you, which makes me feel like I don’t deserve this much
respect. Some expect you to become a different version of yourself. Different
people have different expectations from you. That can be a little stressful
sometimes. But I am coping just well.
If you could change one of your physical features, which one would it be and
why?
That would have to be my snuggle tooth. It ruins my smile.
What is the most important quality that a Beauty queen should possess?
Boldness. I mean, you may not have the most amazing smile, the perfect walk, and
prettiest face. But if you carry yourself with boldness, even if you’re
naturally shy, you’ll most certainly succeed as a beauty queen. I don’t mean
to be extreme or anything close, but I just mean be bold in the process.
Who is your role model?
My mother. Most, if not all that which makes me who I am today, I’ve learned
from her. Through observing the way she carries herself, I have learnt how to
combine being strong, kind, soft and focused. If I were given a chance to pick
who it is I’d love to have as my mother, I’d choose her without thinking
twice.
After taking the UNESWA crown, you said you wouldn’t be joining any other
pageant, why?
Some pageants have sections whereby one is expected to walk around half-naked 
in swimwear. And that, I’m uncomfortable with. I’m not comfortable with
exposing my body in an extreme way. I mean, before wearing a miniskirt I first
have to convince myself that it’s okay for me to wear one. It’s basically a
modest-wear issue, I suppose.
If you had one message for the world, what would it be?
Even though it’s been preached about by tons of others, I’d still tell the
world that it all starts with the man in the mirror. If you want people to
change the world for the better, start by changing yourself, for the better. If
you want to encourage others to never stop believing in their dreams; in
themselves, then don’t stop believing in your dreams or yourself. And whatever
happens, be you. In this world that will do whatever it takes to get you to fit
in the system, never be afraid to stand out and be yourself.
What do you expect to gain by participating in pageants? Why?
Improved self-confidence. Moving from my little corner to getting used to
positive discomfort. This is all preparing me for the near future, being able to
stand, talk with boldness in front of people. Be it in meetings, interviews,
presentations, talk shows.
What is the importance of beauty pageants in today’s world?
Empowering people: participants get this new sense of confidence, thanks to
beauty pageants. They also help people discover their talents; their strengths
and weaknesses. For example, one would enter a beauty pageant and realise
they’re really good at modelling, which is something they might have never
known, if they hadn’t entered one. As a result, they are a beginning of
someone’s career. They also open up opportunities for fashion designers to
grow their gift.
What made you decide to enter the Fresher’s pageant?
Some of my schoolmates kept on pestering me to join. When I finally agreed to
join, it was after thinking that it would be an opportunity for me to learn how
to do away with my shyness in situations that require me to do so.
What is the essence of being a woman?
Being you. Learning that beyond your physical appearance, inner beauty makes you
who you are. Being beautiful on the inside makes you beautiful.
Cyber-bullying is one of the greatest problems in the world today. How would you
solve this?
By trying to educate people to respect each other as well as themselves. I mean,
what does one even gain from ruining someone else’s day? If we would at least
try to put ourselves in the next person’s shoes and try to see how we would
feel if we were to be the victims, I think cyber-bullying’s rate would drop.
I’m saying drop because I’m uncertain if one would be able to totally stop
it; considering how some people are psychopaths and find joy in hurting others.
As well as considering how no one really has full control of the Internet, so
totally stopping it would be a bit of a challenge.
If you could be on the cover of any magazine, which would you choose and why?
DRUM magazine. First of, I am familiar with it. If I were to be asked to list
all magazines I’ve heard of, I’d probably have it in the top 5 of my list
because it’s usually available at my place. And, I’d pick DRUM magazine
probably because of the great writers they have. If you’ve read one of Bessie
Head’s short stories you’ve probably seen how beautifully she played with
words but still conveyed a deep meaning. I think I’d love being on the cover
of a magazine of which she used to be an employee.
If you speak in front of all the leaders of the Eswatini Pageants, what would
you speak about?
How they should try to make the pageants cater for different kinds of people.
For example, some of us aren’t comfortable with having to parade in swim wears
and bikinis.  I’d also speak about how they should maintain the energy and
passion they have for making the pageants a success. During the pageants, we
learn important skills as participants and I’m hoping the audience also picks
up a thing or two from them.