On the 12th of August, I had the pleasure of watching Fourways High School’s annual Mr and Miss Fourways pageant. There genuinely aren’t enough words to describe just how mesmerising the show actually was. You just had to be there to be able to grasp exactly what I’m talking about. This event was coordinated by our very own staff, Mrs Nadine Veldman, Mrs Jeanelle Ludick, Ms Katia Maritz and Mrs Savannah Stothard.
The Mr and Miss Fourways competition is one that promotes leadership, community engagement and personal growth. It fosters positive role models, personal and professional development, charitable involvement, cultural diversity and advocacy. This competition aligns with the school’s core values of community, excellence, integrity and respect as students are prepared to be inspirational leaders and responsible citizens.
The contestants were judged by a panel of diverse and highly distinguished judges. Each with their own respective qualifications, they definitely made a huge contribution in the process of the competition. The crowd was very enthusiastic and engaging as they remained entertained by the two hosts, matric students, Simelwe Ngcobo and Joshua Dorman. They each did a fabulous job individually and together did an even better one as they bounced off each other’s energy so naturally. They were both such amazing hosts, you’d swear they did this as a side job.
The show opened with a group dance performance from all the contestants as an introduction to the audience. Then, the audience was surprised by a special appearance from an alumni, Aphiwe Kedama, who is also the current Miss Queen of South Africa. She graced the audience with beautiful words of wisdom and encouragement which one audience member described as “magical and inspirational”. This then led into the couple entrances where all the contestants were paired up as boy and girl and walked the runway with varied music, little dances and outfits. This really helped the audience see their different personalities. The audience was then blown away by the Spirit Dancers as they showed off their captivating and powerful dance moves. The evening then continued with the contestants strutting down the stage in their beautiful couple’s formal wear.
The audience then had the opportunity to vote for a junior boy and girl as well as a senior boy and girl whom they thought were the most photogenic. Tivona Pillay won Ms Jr Photogenic whilst Lingomso Gadu won Mr Jr Photogenic. In the senior category, Arya Maharaj won Ms Sr Photogenic and Blessing Magwele won Mr Sr Photogenic. A top 5 from both Senior and Junior boys and girls was then selected and asked pressing questions regarding current affairs as well as fun questions regarding life at school. Neo Kele then delighted the crowd with a stellar performance singing Rihanna’s “Love On The Brain”. Many audience members were screaming, shouting and singing along in support of her.
The contestants were then brought back onto stage for the announcement of the winners. In the Junior category, Skye Samuels won Miss Junior Fourways and Lingomso Gadu won Mr Junior Fourways. Natalie Steel then won First Junior Princess whilst Luna Fick won Second Junior Princess. Tshepo Tsokodibane then won First Junior Prince whilst Daniel Dorman won Second Junior Prince.
In the Senior category, Londi Mahlangu won Miss Senior Fourways and Blessing Magwele won Mr Senior Fourways. Masego Selamolela then won First Senior Princess whilst Abuyile Hodonou won Second Senior Princess. Amogetswe Mogane won First Senior Prince whilst Suraj Sukhu won Second Senior Prince. A huge congratulations to each of these winners!
A very special mention goes out to all of the sponsors who this event wouldn’t have been possible without. Namely, Life Imaging, BMW Fourways, Geldhof, Figures Bryanston, Bridal and Tuxedo, SA Marblite, Fourways Car Security and Sound, Firefox, Party City, Sugafree, Stolen Antiques, Kodak, Interflora, Fleurs et Sibo flowers, Skyla Sparkles, Waxi-it, Glamorous House, Lovisa, Beautiful Fragrances, Sorbet and City Lodge, Twoway and Edgars.
When an audience member was asked what her overall impression of the show was, she responded “The show was so incredible and captivating. The production quality was top notch!” She also really enjoyed the music as she would sing along and even began dancing with the contestants at some point! Everyone is already so excited for the next one as Mr and Miss Fourways was definitely a night to remember.