Angel Zubuko is not just a name, she is a rising force at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA). Currently a first-year Bachelor of Science student at the Kwaluseni campus, Angel is the youngest of six children, raised in the heart of Ludzeludze. Her journey to the podium began long before the lights of Miss BOLESWA found her.
Reflecting on her childhood, she traces her passion back to a pivotal moment at St. Theresa’s Primary School. “My fondest childhood memory was when i planned and presented a whole modelling concert at St. Theresa’s Primary School which took place and i made it to the top 10,” she recalls. It was here that the spark of ‘main character energy’ was first ignited, setting the stage for a future in the spotlight.
For Angel, pageantry is far more than aesthetic appeal, it is a rigorous test of will and individual accountability. She describes the runway as a solitary battlefield where the outcome rests entirely on her shoulders. “On the runway it’s me against everyone and winning or losing is up to me, hence I to put in all my effort and see the hard work reflect before my eyes,” she explains.
The moment she was crowned Miss BOLESWA remains etched in her memory as a blur of shock and validation. “When I was crowned Miss BOLESWA, my mind froze for a few seconds, buzzing with disbelief but also a reflection of hard work and dedication,” she says. For Angel, this title is not a vanity project but a vehicle for national representation. “Representing Eswatini on this Platform is like a dream come true because I had always intended on making change for the youth of Eswatini,” she adds.
Angel’s definition of leadership is rooted in grit rather than gender. Her message to young Swati women is clear: “Leadership is not defined by gender, it is defined by tenacity; a true leader needs to be tenacious, ambitious and have a vision.”
Her daily routine mirrors this disciplined philosophy. A typical day for the reigning queen is defined by productivity and spiritual grounding. It begins with prayer and domestic responsibilities before transitioning into a whirlwind of workshops, events and academic commitments. Evenings are reserved for cooking, further work and a period of reflection before rest.
Navigating the demands of a Science degree alongside a high-profile pageantry career requires a strategic approach. Angel manages this by compartmentalising her time, dedicating her energy to her studies during the semester and shifting her focus to her modelling career during the holidays.
When she isn’t in the lab or on the runway, Angel finds solace in the culinary and hospitality gems of the kingdom. Her favourite hobbies include exploring new lodges and resorts across Eswatini.
“Spend days more on good food,” she says, also noting a particular fondness for baking.
Looking back at her younger self from five years ago, Angel’s advice is steeped in patience. She would tell that young girl to hold onto the journey and wait for her time to come. Today, she stands proud of her younger self’s foresight. “And I’d like to say thank you to myself because I had the vision to start modelling. I held onto it and here I am today, holding two titles in less than six months,” she remarks.
In a world where many look to external idols, Angel finds her ultimate inspiration – her mbokodvo – within. “A mbokodvo I look up to is me, because I know the challenges I’ve been through and how I got out of them, hence I always challenge myself to do the same every time I face a situation,” she asserts.
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