Miss SA Hopeful Champions Empowerment

Pageant beauty harbours hopes of building corporate partnerships to secure long-term jobs for youth. Image supplied.

Entrepreneur Unami Mthethwa is transforming her Miss South Africa journey into a permanent blueprint for youth employment and economic independence across the nation.

By shifting the focus from temporary pageant fame to long-term mentorship, the KwaZulu-Natal native aims to create sustainable career pathways that outlast any single competition cycle.

The Johannesburg-based marketing graduate founded her own creative agency after facing the harsh realities of the local job market firsthand. She now uses her corporate experience to equip young women with practical skills through the Empowerment of Young Adults initiative.

“Starting my business shifted my mindset completely. It taught me that entrepreneurship is not just about business ownership, it's about problem-solving, value creation, and taking control of your own narrative,” she stated.

Mthethwa believes that regular motivation falls short if young graduates are not modernised with tangible opportunities and corporate visibility.

Her advocacy emphasises long-term value creation over short-term attention, urging strategic partnerships between educational institutions and employers to secure futures.

“My advocacy is rooted in my personal experience. After graduating, I realised that many young people are not lacking talent or ambition, they are lacking access, mentorship, and practical skills,” she continued.

The creative entrepreneur continues to utilise digital media as a tool for sustainable branding and community leadership rather than fleeting internet celebrity.

According to Mthethwa, true leadership relies on a willingness to learn and a commitment to serve the public authentically over time.

“This journey has taught me that leadership is not about having all the answers, but it’s about being willing to learn, grow, and serve others authentically.”

Ultimately, Mthethwa hopes to leave behind a lasting legacy of practical empowerment that outlives her time on the Miss South Africa stage.

She envisions a collaborative future where government and businesses join forces to permanently dismantle the youth unemployment crisis.

“I want young women to be equipped with skills, mentorship, and real opportunities that allow them to build sustainable futures,” she declared.