In a surprising twist, South African netizens have flipped the script on their voting strategies for the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant as they are now backing Miss Kwara for the win.
Initially, Mzansi netizens were rooting for former Miss SA finalist Chidimma Adetshina, who has been ‘’eating’’ up the other participants by taking lead on the scoreboard with over 10,000 votes, but now they are throwing their support behind Miss Kwara representative, Ufa Dania, a plus-size beauty who is redefining beauty norms at the pageant.
This shift in loyalty is driven by a desire for inclusivity and representation. The new favourite, who proudly rocks her curves, has captured the hearts of South Africans with her confidence and individuality, as well as her ability to embrace her unique qualities while daring to be different.
‘’I believe I’m the very first curvy person to ever make it to this level so already that sets my perspective on a positive note,’’ she said.
X user @nelly_weiderman highlights that history was made with South Africa’s first deaf Miss SA and notes that by voting for Miss Kwara in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, South Africans would help make history for Nigeria too with its first plus-size winner.
While Adetshina, who is representing Miss Taraba, has been leading the pageant with more than 10,000 votes, Miss Kwara has attracted a growing number of supporters who are eager to see her take the crown. Dania has 7,808 votes in comparison.
Since we are all about changing stereotypes!Miss Kwara for Miss Universe Nigeria!We made history with our first ever deaf Miss SA,let's make history for Nigeria too 🔥 Let's vote for Miss Kwara https://t.co/jkywL8JJXl
— Nelly Weideman (@nelly_weideman) August 26, 2024
Two days to go let’s keep on voting, Her name is Nomathemba Miss Kwara Simelane: we are half way to make her our Miss Universe Nigeria 🇳![CDATA[]]>🇬
🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦![CDATA[]]>🇳![CDATA[]]>🇬![CDATA[]]>😩![CDATA[]]>🔥 pic.twitter.com/THykIsPRme
I'm officially a Miss Kwara fan. Girl can model shame🥹![CDATA[]]>💕 pic.twitter.com/UChnhgaNfv
— Inenekazi 💃![CDATA[]]>🏽![CDATA[]]>💃![CDATA[]]>🏽![CDATA[]]>💃![CDATA[]]>🏽![CDATA[]]>🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦![CDATA[]]>🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦![CDATA[]]>🇵![CDATA[]]>🇸![CDATA[]]>🇵![CDATA[]]>🇸 (@Inenekazi1) August 27, 2024
Representing Kwara, a state in western Nigeria, Miss Kwara, Dania, is not only challenging beauty norms in the industry but is also passionate about education.
‘’What makes a woman a true queen is not just her looks but the fact that she pays heed to the cries and needs of the people in her community,’’ says Dania.
She shares projects that are dear to her heart and is dedicated to providing children in her community with suitable learning environments by renovating local government schools. Her commitment to education and social impact has resonated with her supporters.
She further shares her belief that arts and crafts can boost educational participation by stimulating brain development in children.
She emphasises that every student should have the same opportunities as those from wealthier families, despite economic barriers.
In a mini-series she posted on Instagram titled "Road to Miss Universe Nigeria," she points out that the most controversial aspect of her running for the crown is that she does not look like the typical pageant girl.
Nevertheless, she refuses to be boxed in by stereotypes.
The Miss Universe Nigeria hopeful was bullied most of her life but chose to use that adversity as a stepping stone to her new, confident self.
Despite these challenges, she continues to rise and prove herself by participating in the competition.
IOL