Byline: Levhuwani Matumba 28 June 2021
Miss Teen Commonwealth South Africa, Luyanda Manana said it is time young people focus on education to empower themselves for the future.
The 16-year-old from Standerton began her modelling career at a very young age when she was still in primary school.
“My first contest was Miss Lewis Furnisher and was crowned second princess.
I then entered Miss Teen Lekwa and I was crowned a Queen,” Luyanda explained adding that she is still the reigning queen since no one was crowned last year due to Covid-19.
This year she decided to enter Miss Teen Commonwealth South Africa 2021 which she believes it is all about giving back to the community and empowering young people.
As part of her tasks she has been doing different charity drives within her community.
“I took part in soup kitchens, participated in building shacks for the needy and also donating clothing and shoes to those who need them most,” She added.
What do you think the youth of today should be focusing on to make their lives better?
“The youth of today should be focusing on education as it is the most important tool to create a better future.
It is unfortunate that some young people do not see it that way and recently we were mocked that our matric certificates no longer have value which is not true at all.
You have to focus on your dreams, goals, ambitions and be determined.
After matric one can decide whether you want to be a doctor, a police or anything you want to be. Just follow your dreams.
Looking at the state of your municipality, most young people do not get the opportunity to voice out their concerns or frustrations, what do you think the municipality should do?
I think leaders who fail to deliver should just step down and allow the electorates to vote for capable leaders.
Should we had capable leaders, Standerton will be in a better place by now.
As young people who are still in school we are really affected by the shortage of water and municipal load shedding.
If there is no water we are released early from schools because it not hygienic, but now it is better because schools have Jojo tanks and water tanks comes and fill them up.
Sometimes when we arrive home there is no electricity and we have to study and do our homework.
Do you think it is time more young people are put in power and why do you say so?
Young people have creative minds and still have energy.
Should we get more of them in parliament and municipal councils, many things will get fixed.
They will also have pride to see their country in a better place.
I sometimes feel like those elderly people put in positions do not care about us and as such we are the only hope for the future.
What message are you sending to the young people regarding Covid-19 since we are currently on third wave?
Well, Covid-19 has brought us terrible times but we must just hang in there, follow all the regulations given to us in order to be safe.
Remember to wash your hands all the time, wear your mask and keep social distance.
Please help me win The Public Choice Tittle for Miss Teen Commonwealth South Africa.
The voting procedure are as follows: Please vote by depositing money to the Commonwealth Pageants bank account, R1 = 1 VOTE, The banking details are as follows: Commonwealth Pageants, Nedbank, Branch:196605, Acc number: 106 313 2517, Reference : Luyanda Manana. Also follow her on Facebook: Luyanda Manana Miss Teen Commonwealth South Africa 2021 Finalist
