The annual Mr & Miss Musina pageant took place at the Nancefield Community Hall last weekend. It is an initiative of the Musina Municipality, and attracted 20 aspiring contestants (10 young men and 10 young women) who competed for the golden crown.

Seventeen-year-old Rebecca Tshililo Mulaudzi took the crown and she will be the ambassador of Musina Municipality on matters pertaining to youth and children, environment, HIV/AIDS, moral regeneration and poverty. She was allocated a R2 500 bursary and walked home with a laptop and electric appliances.

The first and second princesses are Memory Sibanda (17) and Mpho Netshiozwi (19) respectively. Sibanda won herself a TV set and electric appliances while Netshiozwi went home with a home theatre.

Blessing Selematsela (18) was declared Mr Musina during the pageant. He took home a laptop, electric appliances and won himself a R2 500 bursary. His first prince is Martin Kauta (20) whereas Justice Mirenzheni was declared the second prince.

Hundreds of impressed audience members who filled the hall to capacity ululated, sang and danced as the contestants modeled around the stage to impress the judges. Apart from displaying their modeling skills and attire, the contestants were asked about issues relating to teenage pregnancy, crime, education, health and career choices.

When addressing guests, Mayor Caroline Mahasela encouraged the youths to take education seriously. She said the only way to prepare for a bright future is through education. "This is one of our strategies to keep you from the streets because we want to see you leading this country with distinction in the future. As a responsible municipality, we will continue to nurture our young generation because we know that they are our future leaders."