By Mohalenyane Phakela
JOHANNESBURG — Former Miss Vodacom PC Refiloe Pheku beat 56 beauties to scoop the Miss Vitality 2013 tiara at a pageant held at Theatre of Marcellus, Emperor’s Palace last Sunday.
Miss Vitality is a title awarded to the entrant of the Miss Million Dollar pageant who looks healthier on the ramp than her competition.
Courtesy of Herbalife, Pheku was given a Herbalife hamper estimated at R12 000, a Herbalife course and a contract to work with them until her replacement is selected in the next pageant.
“I am happy to have won this title which I am taking home today; I have done this for my country not just for myself as a beauty queen,” Pheku told the Weekender just after she won.
“I was quite nervous when I got here, seeing all those pretty ladies who were to compete.
“Adding fuel to my anxiety, the ladies kept on saying how difficult it is to win the Million Dollar contest and it has always been scooped by whites.
“I gained confidence when we got to the stage and told myself that the judges will be blown away when they see me today.
Pheku further said that although she did not win the title she was after (Miss Million Dollar), she is ecstatic to have gained international exposure and experience. It will definitely help polish her modelling career.
She was travelling with Gladys Pelesa and Karabelo Mokoallo who were also in the competition.
They stated that although they did not win, they learned a lot at the competition.
Also speaking to the Weekender at the event was one of the organisers and sole sponsor, Italian Franco Darrigo, who said he was excited for the success of the pageant.
“We started the pageant with Hilary Bower 14 years ago as a platform for South African beauties to gain international exposure.
“We are looking for someone who shines like a million dollars, who will utilise her strengths to change the world. She will engage in various fundraising activities and please the sponsors in everything she does.
“Miss Million Dollar pageant is the most glamorous pageant in South Africa and one of the best in the world. It has grown in style and size.
“The winner will be taken to Italy for a photo shoot to put her on the stage to expose her to international modelling talent scouts. She will also enroll in a free modelling course.
“We only giving her wings to fly, all she has to do is fly as high as possible,” said Darrigo.
The Million Dollar pageant was organised by Events and seeks a lady that looks like a million dollars.
Johannesburg beauty Karabo Mota won the title, making her the first black woman to win it.
She also walked away with a brand new Suzuki hatchback among her large number of prizes.
