Cape Town will be hosting the first Miss Wheelchair South Africa pageant on 2 December but the directors say they are having a hard time getting sponsors.
The competition was created with the aim of changing perceptions about disabled women.
The founder of Miss Wheelchair SA is Lebohang Monyatsi, who was crowned first runner-up in Miss Wheelchair World in 2017.
She says there are 10 finalists and these women will not only present their beauty, charm and personality, but they will also highlight their respective provinces to promote tourism.
The winner will then travel to Mexico to represent South Africa at Miss Wheelchair World in October 2022 and serve as a tourism ambassador.
Shama Nathoo from Universal Accessibility Hub NPO, who is organising the pageant in collaboration with Miss Wheelchair SA, says it was disappointing to see the lack of interest by corporate sponsors “despite reaching out to many corporations to support this very first event with the aim to remove barriers and start new conversations.”
The pageant’s theme for 2021 is “Beauty has no Barriers” and Shama appeals to businesses to come forward and show that inclusion matters.
Lebohang adds: “Creating an awareness of the disparities and advocating for persons with disabilities is done through events such as Miss Wheelchair SA. Our aim is to change perceptions and start new conversations that beauty has no limitations.”
The beauty from North West Province is also an international athlete, having represented South Africa in wheelchair basketball at the 2012 and 2015 Paralympics, and the 2009 World Cup.
She was diagnosed with polio at the age of three, and by 15 lost the use of her legs.
The judges for the inaugural pageant include Terry Fortune and Marlene le Roux.