LIFE AFTER THE PAGEANT

BY NIVASHNI NAIR SUKDHEV

Homba Mazaleni is simply happy. As a Biokinetics Honours degree student at the University of Western Cape, her life outlook has transformed signi ficantly since she strutted on the Miss South Africa stage last year.

This journey has fostered a deeper self-awareness within her and has shifted her mindset, prompting her to reflect on the thoughts that often cloud our decisions. Questions like, "What will people think if I share this photo?" or, "What if I pursue my master’s degree?" have become less daunting for her.

Mazaleni has come to a liberating realisation: the opinions of others hold less weight than we often believe. This newfound perspective has empowered her to embrace her true self and pursue her ambitions without hesitation.

“I started to realise that, as jarring as this may seem, no one really cares that much except yourself. My new perspective has been armour to get over myself, to do the things that I know I can do and I am simply happy. I realised that if you can be good to yourself, you can impart goodness onto others,” she said.

My new perspective has been armour to get over myself, to do the things that I know I can do and I am simply happy.

Having reached the Top 5 in the pageant, Mazaleni is now focused on her academic goals, particularly her aspiration to research, through a master’s degree, the intersection of happiness and neuroscience in relation to exercise. She envisions a future where she might establish a happiness consultancy, helping others find joy in their lives.

Currently, her primary focus is on completing her Honours degree so she can embark on her next endeavours.

“My master’s degree will be my life’s work, so I had to sit myself down to remind myself why it’s worthwhile and the importance of the results,” she said.

In addition to her studies, Mazaleni is preparing for an outreach programme in Lesotho next month. With her background in sports science and her current studies in Biokinetics, she plans to dedicate her time to this initiative.

Although she may not have the financial means to contribute, she feels rich in time and is eager to share her knowledge about wellness and the benefits of exercise as a simple yet effective solution to many health challenges. “I just think there is something majestic about Lesotho, and I want to experience it all.”

On campus, Mazaleni continues to be celebrated for her remarkable achievement as a Miss South Africa 2023 contestant.

However, her presence is increasingly recognised for her engaging TikTok videos. Her social media focus shifted after she found her Instagram account overwhelming. Balancing a demanding academic schedule, she experienced rising anxiety. She turned to TikTok, where she could share her daily experiences. This platform allowed her to connect with others who appreciate the beauty found in everyday moments..

“I moved to TikTok solely for that sense of being anonymous. I posted what I got up to, and I gained followers because there are people out there who also find joy in small, mundane things,” Mazaleni explained.