Johannesburg- Eastern Cape born Miss South Africa Runner-up Zimi Mabunzi arrived to a rousing welcome at King Phalo International Airport in East London.
A number of people came from Buffalo City Metro after the municipality announced that it will be hosting Mabunzi’s homecoming.
She was received by her mother Noluvuyo Mabunzi, flanked by the Buffalo City Mayor Xola Pakati, together with the mayors of Amathole District Municipality mayor Khanyile Maneli and Bandile Ketelo of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality.
“It has been so hectic where I was, in Cape Town but I kept on hearing rumours now and then that there was something planned for me when I arrive home, although I didn’t know exactly what it was but I didn’t expect any of this,” she said.
“You have set a good example of what a young person can do and achieve. Beauty and brains are a great combination for a young person and we hope that other young people will learn and emulate your exemplary achievement going forward,” said mayor Xola Pakati.
This was a proud moment for her jubilant mother, Noluvuyo Mabunzi who said she was very happy about what her daughter has achieved even though her prayer was that she brings the crown home.
“She came very close to being crowned Miss SA and I was hoping and praying that she would bring it home but I’m happy that God granted her what He saw fit for her,” she said.
Zimi said her journey in life didn’t start in a glamorous way.
“I grew up in a village but once I saw whatever makes me look better I was never willing to let go of it,” she said.
She added that it is her commitment to serve that has brought about her achievements.
“I’m only here because of my commitment to serve and I think that it’s the same commitment together with the desire in my heart to just see myself do better.
It’s that desire to just go with courage in everything I do and the commitment to serve is what culminated to bring me up here,” said Mabunzi.
She urged the young people to dedicate themselves to service and said that is what will open up doors to other opportunities.
“The message I want to drive out to other young people is that you can be literally anything you want to be, it doesn’t matter what it is and where you come from. I think for everyone in a nutshell, service will always be the ground that will make us meet, whether you are old or young, you are black or white,” she said.
I'm here for the gorgeous Zimi Mabunzi😍🔥🔥🔥#MissSA2021 pic.twitter.com/8P37q1NRyF
— 🌹Zandie (@Zandie_V) October 16, 2021
Mabunzi’s uncle Thandi Sihulu said the family will host the real welcome home party on Saturday.
Maneli said Amathole municipality together with Raymond Mhlaba will host another homecoming event for Zimi next week Wednesday.
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