Ayanda thabethe
MISS SOUTH AFRICA RUNNER-UP 2022
Ayanda Thabethe was named Miss South Africa 2022 runner-up at the Miss South Africa pageant which was held in Pretoria on 13 August 2022.
She was also the winner of the People’s Choice vote.
Ayanda was born on November 11, 1999 and is from Taylor’s Halt in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal.
She started her education at the all girls’ Longmarket Primary School where she learnt about sisterhood and found her footing in crafting her own narrative. The tradition continued as she entered Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School where she ended her journey as a prefect, vice-house captain, head computer monitor and captain of the school’s athletic team.
The 22-year-old was in her final year of her BSc in Dietetics and Human Nutrition at the University of KwaZulu Natal when she entered the pageant: “I want to branch into the research sector so I can play a role in developing nutrition related guidelines to combat South Africa’s double burden of malnutrition and obesity,” she says.
Ayanda is close to her small, tight-knit family – her biggest supporters are her mother and father Florence and Clememt and her brother Andile.
“My family are the first people who played a role in shaping my mind and their importance in my life cannot be emphasised enough. With them beside me, I know that everything will be okay and I know that I have purpose.”
Ayanda is passionate about South Africa’s healthcare system, specifically in the nutrition-related sectors and will be devoting herself to this during her year as runner-up.
“I am lucky enough to be on a platform that allows me to provide community education on the importance of a healthy life through a healthy diet. I have also recently started a campaign called #nyakazani which aims to get community members involved in responding to crises.”
She explains why she entered Miss South Africa: “I have always pictured myself as a role model for young women. Growing up I read about female trailblazers and always thought of myself as one too. I entered the competition because I am a driven woman who wants to make changes for the better of our country.”
Ayanda lists her role models as the bold women who came before her, women who made something of themselves and were selfless enough to pave a path for other women in their respective fields. These women include her grandmother (whom she refers to as a warrior), Naomi Campbell (who inspired Ayanda to want a career in the modelling industry) and Maya Angelou (who sparked her love of literature).
Project Khulisa by Ayanda Thabethe
HER DUTY
Project Khulisa is a campaign founded in 2022 by Miss South Africa’s First runner up Ayanda G. Thabethe.
With her background in the field of dietetics and human nutrition Thabethe’s focus is on creating a platform for the principles of “holistic health” – an approach to life that considers multidimensional aspects of wellness.
We strongly believe that a healthy society is a thriving one, and as such aim to form fruitful collaborations and initiatives in realising a better South Africa for all.
The campaign was born to provide the base for Thabethe’s charitable work, covering a wide range of endeavours including but not limited to community garden projects, to opening the floor to a conversation about the Sustainable Development Goals and what they are, to food insecurity interventions. “Khulisa” is the IsiZulu word for “magnify” or “to grow”.
Founding principles of the campaign
The raising of funds in furtherance of the interventions outlined.
The promotion of, or engaging in, holistic health activities, including discussion regarding issues pertaining to healthcare access and systems. ·The provision of support services to, or the promotion of the common interests of, public benefit organisations.
Organising dialogue around critical social issues, including particular issues regarding the sustainable development goals, in order to contribute to a healthier society.
Vision
Our vision is a nation in which everyone can get the healthy meals that they needand have pathways to healthcare and opportunity.
Mission
Our mission is to provide pathways to health and opportunity along with access to healthcare by mobilising the living legacy of Ayanda G. Thabethe, providing public access information on her charitable work, and organising dialogue on critical social issues pertaining to health.
Core work
To deliver to South Africa a healthier society through opening the floor to a conversation about the SDGs and what they are, promoting community gardens, especially in rural communities, raising funds to prolong programs, and emphasizing the principles of “holistic health”.
TikTok Videos
A balanced diet is necessary for both good nutrition and health. You are shielded from a variety of degenerative noncommunicable diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. A balanced diet that limits salt, sugar, saturated fats, and trans fats from industrial production is crucial for good health.
A balanced diet consists of a variety of foods. These include staples like grains like wheat, barley, rye, or rice, starchy tubers or roots like potatoes, yams, taro, or cassava, legumes like lentils and beans, fruits and vegetables, and food derived from animals (meat, fish, eggs and milk).
Using the social platform – TIK TOK – I will make fun and interactive videos on easy “to prepare” healthy meals.
GET INVOLVED
Should your company/brand wish to pledge a monetary donation or your expert services towards Project Khulisa please send an email to us.
AYANDA IN ACTION
