A couple of weeks ago the education advocacy pageant, Ms Tertiary South Africa crowned its second winner, Desiree Dlakude, a Political Science graduate and LLB student at the University of Pretoria.
Ms Tertiary South Africa is an education advocacy beauty pageant that is open to female students aged between 18 and 35 in all legally registered public and private universities and colleges across the country. The pageant aims to bridge the financial struggles of students and disburse scholarships to the winners
(in response to the #FeesMustFall movement which highlighted the heightening number of financially excluded students in tertiary institutions nationwide), provide soft skills training that equips students to monetise the digital space as well as bringing awareness on the thriving mental health issues amongst students.
Dlakude was invited to speak at the Women’s Month event in the Parliament in Cape Town last week where she addressed female members of the parliament and distinguished guests. “Being Ms Tertiary South Africa means that I am an ambassador for all students in South Africa.
As Ms Tertiary South Africa 2019, I strive to inspire young women to pursue their dreams, unleash their potential and do what sets their souls on fire. I aspire to inspire youth, especially those who come from underprivileged backgrounds and emphasise that having education can really take you far. Having education can liberate you from the generational poverty” – said Dlakude.
