With just over a week since the Miss Earth South Africa 2013, Ashanti Mbanga touched down in the Philippines to represent South Africa at the international Miss Earth, she has already made her presence known. Following on from the gold medals she won for the Educational Challenge and Environmental Workshop: African Presentation, the 24-year-old Transport Economics Major took top honours in for National Costume yesterday evening. Mbanga showcased a one-of-a-kind custom design, created by Sonwabile Ndamase from Vukani Range Creations. Best known for creating the brightly coloured, patterned “Madiba Shirts” made famous by former South African Statesman, Nelson Mandela, Ndamase was humbled and honoured when he heard of Ashanti’s success. “I am thrilled and invigorated that the dress, which I designed, has won Gold status for a National Costume category. It is especially meaningful in the context of Miss Earth, in which creative and aesthetic beauty become ambassadors for the beauty and preservation of creation itself. I am humbled and, of course, elated!”
When the announcement was made, Miss Earth South Africa Executive Director, Catherine Constantinides said, “We have no doubt that Ashanti will do us proud, she knows what it takes to go all the way. We are proud of her efforts as a green ambassador, not only for Miss Earth, but for our beautiful country.”
Mbanga is representing South Africa against delegates from around the world as she takes part in a competition that has gained unprecedented traction over the years. She arrived in Manila, Philippines earlier this month and will spend the next two weeks in South East Asia, travelling throughout the Philippines visiting schools and communities, promoting environmental campaigns and programmes and meeting with dignitaries and environmental bodies across the region. The key focus being, Water Co-operation and what delegates can do to continue promoting the responsible use of this scarce natural resource once they return home.
The Miss Earth South Africa strives to create a platform to empower young South African women to take on environmental and sustainability issues and build these young ladies to become Ambassadors for the extensive environmental, conservation and sustainable work done by the organisation.
Delegates are also required to present an “Eco-Dress,” which is to be made from responsibly sourced, sustainable and/or upcycled materials. Mbanga will showcase a design created by Redhill School learner, Suzanne Bell. The piece, which came about as part of a project in conjunction with the school’s Generation Earth council, is made from recycled Archie Comics and scrap material using a technique called “napkin podge”. Mbanga will also sport items from Crystal Forum and Swarovski and all her pre-departure beauty needs were taken care of by Camelot International, Villa d’Est and Bijan Boutique Hairdressing. She travels with a range of beauty products from Esse as well as a full set of luggage, kindly donated by Samsonite South Africa. During the course of the international competition she will be dressed by a number of local designers, including Me & You Clothing Boutique, Claris by Gerrit Pienaar and she will showcase an evening wear garment designed by talented South African designer, Simon Rademan.
There is so much work that still needs to be done, but with Mbanga’s determination and drive coupled with humility and a willingness to learn she is an ideal ambassador to carry the international Miss Earth title and ideals into 2014. Mbanga is passionate about devising efficient ways of moving people and freight while reducing the effect of transport and logistics on the environment. She hopes to one-day affect genuine positive change from the position of Transport Minister. During the year of her reign Mbanga reduces the effect of her personal travel thanks to her gorgeous Prius Hybrid Vehicle from IMPERIAL Toyota.
Mbanga goes forward with great commitment and knowledge of the environmental need. She understands her responsibility and the power that she has to make a difference, to educate and to be a voice for the green movement.
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