An East London pupil who has won numerous beauty pageant titles, including an international crown, is now leading by example.
Clarendon High School pupil Asante Tofi, who has won titles including Miss Teen Queen East London, Miss Top Model influencer, Miss Eastern Cape Teen Queen 2023, Miss Global SA Junior Queen, and was the overall Eastern Cape Ambassador winner, donated 1,800 packs of sanitary towels to two East London township schools to celebrate former president Nelson Mandela’s birthday month.
The 15-year-old, who is in grade 9, donated 900 packs of pads to pupils at Noncedo Combined School in Ducats and another 900 to Gcobani High School in Cambridge.
Her pad drive was supported by family, friends and community members.
Helping others gives me a sense of fulfilment knowing that my act of kindness will bring a smile to other people
“Pads are an essential need for every young female in SA, but most girls don’t have access to sanitary towels because of financial constraints.
“I felt that for Mandela Day it was my duty to give back to young girls at school.”
Asante said Mandela Month was not only a reminder of the journey walked by inspirational South Africans but also a call to be a beacon of hope to others.
“Mandela Month encourages me to take action, no matter how small, to make a difference in my community, as well as SA as a whole.”
Asante said she knew of many young girls who could not afford sanitary towels.
“Such moments often bring to mind empathy and a desire to take action, whether through advocacy or contribution.”
Reaching out to the needy was not new for Asante.
“Helping others gives me a sense of fulfilment knowing that my act of kindness will bring a smile to other people.
“I chose this because I’ve never done anything for those two communities before, and I felt as my title had evolved into a global title, I had to create change for as many communities as I could.
“Doing this creates a sense of pride, gratitude, happiness and motivation in me.”
Asante said she learnt the art of giving from her family, specifically her mother who was a women’s rights activist.
“My mom is part of an organisation called Women for Change SA and she’s done many charity works.
“I’ve been at her side watching the wonderful work she does.
“My dad has businesses that provide jobs for people in Mdantsane.
“My mom and I are very close and she’s always taught me to treat people well and to give back as much as I can, because by helping those people I am giving myself blessings from God without even knowing.”
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