Zamanje Mongalo, the reigning Mrs Independent South Africa, made headlines when she emerged as the second runner-up at the Mrs Independent International Pageant held in Manila, Philippines in February. But her journey to the pageant stage was not just about showcasing beauty and poise; it was about using her platform to speak out against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and share her own story of healing and resilience.
Mongalo, who had previously experienced sexual abuse in her life, saw pageantry as a powerful tool to raise awareness about the issue of GBV and to empower other survivors to find healing. In a candid interview with The Citizen, Mongalo revealed that she was initially hesitant to participate in pageants, dismissing it as something that was not for her. However, she soon realized that it was an opportunity to not only showcase her external beauty but also to share her internal strength and resilience.
The journey to the Mrs Independent International Pageant was a deeply personal one for Mongalo, who had experienced sexual violence twice in her life. The first instance occurred when she was just six years old, at the hands of an adult family friend in KwaZulu-Natal. The second incident took place while she was studying in Pretoria in 1996 when she was abducted and raped by a man she thought was a cab driver. Despite the trauma she endured, Mongalo kept her pain hidden, as talking about rape was taboo at the time.
However, Mongalo believes that the shift in societal attitudes towards rape and GBV has been instrumental in helping survivors like herself come forward and seek justice. By sharing her story, Mongalo hopes to not only raise awareness about the prevalence of GBV but also to encourage both victims and perpetrators to engage in conversations that can lead to healing and understanding.
Representing South Africa on the international stage was a daunting task for Mongalo, who felt the pressure of being a reflection of her country. However, she embraced the opportunity to showcase the spirit of Ubuntu and the sense of community that had supported her on her journey to the pageant. For Mongalo, being on a prestigious platform like a pageant was a chance to not only share her story but also to inspire others to find their own voice and strength.
As she continues her advocacy work against GBV, Mongalo remains committed to using her platform to make a difference in the lives of others. She believes that even if her story helps just one person, it is enough to create a ripple effect of change. With her courage, resilience, and determination, Zamanje Mongalo is not just a beauty queen but a beacon of hope for survivors of GBV everywhere.
