Former Victoria Girls' High School learner Nondyebo “Nondy” Dzingwa (24) did the province proud by being crowned as this year’s Miss Earth South Africa recently, beating 20 other contestants in the annual event at Emporer's Palace in Gauteng. Olwethu Xabanisa was lucky enough to grab a few minutes of her time to find out what she's all about.
Former Victoria Girls' High School learner Nondyebo “Nondy” Dzingwa (24) did the province proud by being crowned as this year’s Miss Earth South Africa recently, beating 20 other contestants in the annual event at Emporer's Palace in Gauteng. Olwethu Xabanisa was lucky enough to grab a few minutes of her time to find out what she's all about.
Olwethu Xabanisa: As the new Miss Earth South Africa, what difference are you going to make in
South Africa?
Nondy Dzingwa: I plan to make the most of the year ahead by getting as involved with as many projects and initiatives as possible. I want to make a difference that includes greening, education and renewable energy education.
What is expected of you as Miss Earth SA?
My role is to be an inspiration, change the mindsets of the youth and the general public at large. It is of vital importance that as an ambassador I carry the brand of Miss Earth with the utmost prestige and dignity, my partner Consol – I will do you proud! My day to day role is to create an environmental awareness of how we as ordinary citizens can make a positive impact to reduce our carbon footprint by changing our mindsets and engaging with our environment without working against it. Much of my work will be spent travelling across the country and visiting schools as I educate the youth and corporates countrywide.
How do you think global warming is affecting the people?
Our people across Africa are directly affected by global warming, it is evident through the severe change in weather patterns which can result in severe drought – the food crisis and disease epidemics to name but a few.
At some point of your life you lived in Grahamstown and you were a learner at Victoria Girls' High school, please elaborate on the time that you have spent living in the City of Saints?
I am very proud to have been from the Eastern Cape, this is an area that I hold very dear to my heart, I have very fond memories of my time in Grahamstown and during my year of reign this is an area that I plan to visit and leave my green mark on.
What do you miss about Grahamstown and if you had the power what would you change about it's
environment?
I think a lack of awareness is most important. As a community we need to stand together to make sustainable change within this beautiful area. The life and buzz of the people make Grahamstown what it is, we need to ensure that it is kept and green. Recycling needs to become a way of life for all who reside or pass through this town.
When and where were you born?
I was born in Butterworth and shortly thereafter I moved to Mthatha with my family.
How are you going to balance your career and your role as Miss Earth SA?
My role as Miss Earth is a role that does not have to be balanced with my daily life, this is part of my
life, I live, breathe and dream Miss Earth. This is something I have always wanted, it is an honour for me to carry this title and I look forward to the many ways in which my title and life sync together so perfectly.
What would you change about South Africa’s education system?
I believe that not enough emphasis is being put on matric results, the standard of our pass rate needs to be re-analysed and I think it is of vital importantce for the matric certifi cate to push matrics to achieve greater heights. We should not tolerate strikes by educators and the attitude is that a 40% pass is indeed alright. We need to strive to achieve greater levels of excellence.
Can you give a motivational message to the youth?
Believe in who you are and what you want to achieve. We only have one opportunity to make a difference
and to engage with who we are and the mark we want to leave on this earth. Tread lightly and leave a beautiful mark that generations to come will always remember.
