South African beauty queen Mbali Dlamini will represent the country at the Miss Cosmo International pegeant on Tuesday.
Under the theme Impactful Beauty, Dlamini will be competing with teenagers from Russia, Guatemala, Benelux, Italy, Colombia and the Philippines among others.
Miss Cosmo is the newest international pageant founded by Unimedia and its first edition is set to take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam this year.
The pageant aims to create a platform to empower women around the world, where they can raise their voices and exert their influence to make the world a better place.
Dlamini’s mentor Ntombi Gumede, who is also the CEO of Miss Teen Universe South Africa, said she is a dazzling youngster with a bright future.
“Mbali’s star continues to rise, illuminating a path of hope and aspiration for generations to come. With each step she takes, Mbali leaves a trail of stardust, reminding us all that true beauty lies not only in appearance but in the strength of character and the depths of soul,” said Gumede.
She also pointed out that Dlamini’s journey to be crowned Miss Cosmo South Africa has been a dazzling spectacle.
“From captivating audiences with her poise on stage to mesmerising the world with her inner beauty, she embodies the essence of a true queen, commanding attention wherever she goes,” said Gumede.
Contestants for the Miss Cosmo International 2024 pageant must be between 18 and 30 years old, with age cut-off dates varying by country.
Contestants must verify their legal citizenship in the representative country, should not be married and must not have any children.
Dlamini, a finalist for Miss SA in 2019 said she was grateful to take part in Miss Cosmo International as an ambassador of South Africa.
“I am thrilled that my star is rising fast, and this is an epitome of success and self-confidence in me.
“As a youngster who has been a model for more than 10 years, focusing on pageantry and commercial, this is a great milestone in my life.
“I am very excited and grateful for this beautiful platform, considering the magnitude of the Miss Cosmo International brand, only debuting this year, but the brand is endorsed by more than 30 powerful brands. It promises to be on the level of Miss Universe,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini, who also holds a degree in BA Strategic Brand Communication and BA Honours from Vega School of Brand Leadership, is also the founder and CEO of Imbali Agency, a 100% black woman-owned media company, which strives to empower the youth by designing and implementing programmes aimed at youth development.
“The support and inspiration I get from my family is enormous, and I am grateful that I have a support system that carried me through against all odds,” she said.
