By Ncamisile Mtshali and Mthokozisi Dlamini
The Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted its annual Mr and Miss Diversity pageant.
The pageant took place on 5 October at the Greyville Convention Centre, bringing together students, staff and the community for a special evening.
The theme for this year was “Water, fire, air and earth” to emphasise the significance of living in harmony with nature with all its diversity.
The event was filled with music, dance, fashion and cultural exchange. The organiser, Mosetsana Motsomi, said: “What inspired me to organise this event is seeing people coming together to promote diversity and celebrate different backgrounds. It creates a beautiful experience.”
Snenhlanhla Maphumulo, a DUT Department of Food and Nutrition lecturer, attended to support one of her students. “I am here to support my student because I believe in her, but also seeing the theme of inclusivity motivated me to come. I like seeing people come together for one purpose.”
She added that: “I like the fact that DUT holds such events because we are all different. Having an event that includes everyone helps make people proud of themselves.”
The highlight of the evening was the Mr and Miss Diversity pageant, where contestants showed off their outfits and talents, sharing their cultural heritage and demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Siyanda Gumede and Nolwandle Sibiya were crowned respectively as Mr and Miss Diversity 2024. Sibiya shared her thoughts on diversity. “Diversity to me is not just about variety. It’s about understanding who you are as a person and recognising our differences, whether it’s language, gender identity or socio-economic background.”
One of the top three contestants, Sihle Msomi, was surprised and happy to have made it so far. “I didn’t expect this, but it shows that I need to be my best in everything I do. My advice to others who want to be models is to give it a try and believe in yourself.”
Ayanda Ngwaza, popularly known as “iGay YaseDUT”, won in the LGBTQI+ category. Ngwaza shared that he almost quit the event because of online bullying and only decided to stay on after the organisers convinced him to continue.
“I joined this event three days before it started, and I didn’t do the (tasks) I needed to. I wasn’t there for training, so that is why I didn’t expect to win, but I am very happy that I managed to win,” he said.
One of the judges, Brooklyne Mosive, noted that deciding on the winners was challenging because of the exceptional talent.
“Everyone presented themselves very beautifully, but in the end there had to be winners. I believe that we made the right decision. For those who didn’t win, keep trying. Next year could be your time.”
Contestants shared advice with one another. Ngwazi said: “If you want to join this industry, be mindful of what you post on social media. Your content should educate, encourage and promote positivity. This competition taught me how to behave in public and online. Always be confident in what you do.”
