By OBAKENG MAJE
When the North West model, Taahirah Zungu (21) began her journey in the modelling industry, she showed some great traits and pedigree to conquer the world. Now, twelve years later, she can now count her endless achievements.
Zungu, who was crowned Miss Intercontinental South Africa 2022 last week, displayed her unmatched experience and pedigree during a fiercely contested competition.
“It was an honour to be crowned by Miss South Africa 2010, Mrs Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala. I am so excited to start my reign as Miss Intercontinental South Africa 2022. The pageant competition was promoted on social media and I was scouted on 16 March 2022.
“I have always looked up to my sisters, while growing up. They always took care of themselves and I liked how confident they were. They both have a history in the modelling industry,” she said.
Zungu said, even though there were challenges along the way, they never deterred her because she kept her eyes on the bigger picture. She further said challenges will always be there, but what is important is to be persistent.
“Remember, those challenges do not bring you down, but only nurture you and make you stronger. You know, I would sometimes doubt myself and overthink a lot.
“However, the enormous support that I received from my family was amazing. I also managed to complete my studies at the North West University (NWU) in Mahikeng campus,” said Zungu.
The founder of Taahirah Modelling Academy (TMA) has a Degree in Bachelor of Sports Coaching and Human Movement Sciences. She has won 17 pageant titles under her name as a model and now mentors up to 40 aspiring models across North West.
“A few months ago, I did a TMA presentation to President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Imbizo, while visiting the Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub. The academy does not only focus on runway, pageantry, or photo-modeling. We also focus on life skills training and public speaking.
“We live in a digital world and technology is growing with time. So, that is why TMA is in partnership with the Hub in a quest to implement 4IR to the academy by means of holograms and virtual rooms,” said Zungu.
She added: “This is set to be completed in five years and is a great opportunity for the Ngaka Modiri Molema youth as it will give the participants an opportunity to participate in 4IR programs.
“We also have various projects under the Hub and one of them is being the Face of Ngaka Modiri Molema, which started in 2021. It is a beauty pageant that aims to empower and grow the youth. It lays a solid foundation for them to be ready for the world and stimulate their power.”
Speaking about Women’s month, an enthusiastic Zungu said, she is proud to be a woman because women are fighters. She added that, she will continue to vanguard for women and fight patriarchy within the society.
Meanwhile, the Mahikeng Local Municipality mayor, Tshepiso Mphehlo said: “We want to congratulate Ms Zungu on her achievements. She will be representing South Africa at the Miss Intercontinental competition, which will be held in Egypt later this year.
“Zungu aims to bring on board the local and district municipalities to the various youth projects she will be focusing on during her reign as Miss Intercontinental South Africa.”
The Guardian 