AMY-MAE CAMPBELL
The Miss Tuks Rag Queen Crowning for 2012 took place in the Rembrandt Hall on LC De Villiers last Thursday, where 22-year-old mining engineering student, Mudinda Denga, captured the admiration of the crowd and won the title.
Denga told Perdeby that she wasn’t shocked that she won because she knew what she wanted from the beginning and took the right steps in order to reach her goal. She also hopes to inspire people throughout her reign as Rag queen. “In society people are often taught to be cynical and I want these people to have hope and rise above their circumstances,” Denga explained.
Leanda Els was the second princess and Cecile Brits was voted first princess. Both were satisfied with the results and were very confident that Denga would represent UP successfully, “She deserves to win. She is hard-working and has a good spirit. I’m looking forward to us working together,” Brits said. “She is beautiful, has a warm personality and is very down to earth,” Els added.
There were eight judges, among them Anneline Kriel, who won the title in 1973 and went on to become Miss World in 1974. According to Kriel, “Confidence shows that someone is at ease with them self and [also has] a natural beauty and smile.” These were key qualities she was looking for in the new Rag queen.
Hannon Bothma, owner of Hannon cosmetics, was also on the judge’s panel and described the ideal winner as a lady who is feminine and a good spokesperson for the university. “You must represent yourself at your best,” Hannon said.
The top 18 debutantes were not only judged on their appearance, but also on a talent-showcase. This category enabled the debutantes to be creative and talents ranged from pole dancing and cabaret to public speaking.
Local music sensations December Streets and 2010 SA Idol’s finalist Lloyd Cele entertained the audience while the top eight ladies were being selected. Three debutantes were also awarded the titles: Miss Congeniality (Angelica Lamprecht), Miss Photogenic (Jessica-Lee Bothma) and Miss Executive (Bianca Swanepoel).
The event was organised by Tuks Rag as the final part of their debutante programme which started in August last year. Denga also walked away with an Audi A1 and a R5000 Hannon hamper.
Photos: EYEscape
