Scores of well-wishers, including three mayors, filled East London’s King Phalo Airport on Tuesday to welcome home Qonce-born Miss SA 2021 runner-up Zimi Mabunzi.
“I am so happy to see everyone and my family. This is such a moment for me,” a humbled Mabunzi said.
“I am only here because of my commitment to service and I went into this with courage.
“I wasn’t sure what was going on today [Tuesday] as I saw pictures of myself, but didn’t know exactly what it was about.”
Mabunzi, 26, had just touched down from Cape Town after fulfilling some pageant obligations after the crowning event, which took place at Grand West Arena on Saturday.
Her mother, Noluvuyo Mabunzi, and sister, Luluma Kona, were overwhelmed with emotion at seeing her come home.
I feel affirmed and blessed that people have faith in me. I am happy my journey, our journey, has resonated with people because I am all about community.
Mabunzi attributes some of her star qualities to her mother, whom she said had been her cheerleader and sounding board.
Growing up in both Middledrift and Qonce, Mabunzi did not only have one mayor present at her welcoming, but three.
Buffalo City Metro mayor Xola Pakati, Raymond Mhlaba mayor Bandile Ketelo and Amathole District Municipality mayor Khanyile Maneli were all present.
“This is a very proud moment and you are a role model to young people, and by extension the neighbouring municipalities,” Pakati said.
“Beauty and brains are a wonderful combination, and one can be anything one wants to be regardless of where one comes from.
“You have achieved so much in a short space of time and we wish you well in your future endeavours.”
Scores of well-wishers, including three mayors, filled East London’s King Phalo Airport on Tuesday to welcome home Qonce-born Miss SA 2021 runner-up Zimi Mabunzi. Videos by Amanda Nano pic.twitter.com/GQP7rXBzuT
— Dispatch AFRICA (@africa_dispatch) October 20, 2021
Ketelo and Maneli said they had some celebratory events planned for next week in their municipalities.
Maneli said: “We will make sure you feel that you belong to us, and we are excited and appreciative to have you back on our shores.”
Mabunzi is a final-year BCom Law student at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha.
Speaking moments after being unveiled as the popular vote in August, Mabunzi said: “I feel no pressure whatsoever.
“I feel affirmed and blessed that people have faith in me.
“I am happy my journey, our journey, has resonated with people, because I am all about community.”
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