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Onkemetse Nkhumise
UJ's dancing sensation and shining star! With a shy charm and a spirit that dares to dream, I am breaking barriers and shinning my way to the top. From the elegance of ballroom to the sass of Latin, and from cheerleading to pageant stages, I'm unstoppable! I am living proof that shy girls can make a BIG impact. I am a testament that dynamites do come in small packages! Join me as I inspire and be inspired on my Miss UJ APK 2024 Journey. #Onke4MissUJAPK2024 #UJAPKCrownChasers #EmbracingNewInterestAndTalents
My name is Onkemetse Nkhumise, a 21 year old from the vibrant city of Pitori in the Hammanskraal township. My love and passion for dance developed in Mafikeng, in the North West where I grew up. Today I am a proud member of the Orange Army, an accomplished ballroom and Latin dancer, UJ cheerleader, UJ Arts Academy dancer, a commercial model; and now your Miss UJ APK Top 10 Finalist! Talk about a multifaceted girl!
My Miss UJ APK Journey 2024
I still can't believe how my journey to Miss UJ APK began! It started with a surprise tag by the Miss UJ APK official page on Instagram story with someone suggesting I should enter the pageant. I thought to myself who was this person who thought I should be a part of this amazing platform? I still ask myself even today who this person is. I have never done pageants before or even thought about joining this industry as I've always been a dancer. I told my mother about it, and she said, "You always call yourself a public figure, now it's your chance to be a real one". But I was still hesitant. I posted about it on my Whatsapp status and my close friends and family were telling me to go for it and how they see a lot of potential in me. I thought "Me? A pageant girl? I'm shy, I get nervous when I speak in front of large crowds and pageants aren't my thing". I then got invited to meet the current Miss UJ APK, Miss Kwandiwe, and the other contestants. I went and got a little insight on how to enter and what is required. But I still wasn't sure about entering, my doubts and fear crept in.
I finally took a leap of faith and sent in my entry video. In that moment, I felt excited but also scared because I didn't know what would happen next. But I was proud of myself for being brave enough to try something new, something that could help me build my confidence and learn new things. I also hoped to inspire others who are too afraid to try new things and reach their full potential. It was a big moment for me, and I was ready to face what came next while also trusting in the Lord.
I made it to the top 30! I remember that day vividly, I overslept and woke up right at 12:00, when the Top 30 was being announced. I quickly grabbed my phone, feeling anxious, and went to the website. The sliding format was confusing, making me even more nervous! But then, I scrolled through and saw my face! My mom and I screamed with joy, we even shed a tear. I couldn't believe it! It was an amazing moment, one that filled me with pride and helped boost my confidence like never before. I had never felt so proud of myself in a long time.
My family and friends helped me a lot when I was getting ready for the interview round. My mom and sister asked me questions and helped me practice, even when we were doing random things like cleaning the house. I was very nervous because I was afraid of speaking in front of people. But my girls- Sandra, Precious, Ndalo, Yolanda, Masego, Kamo, Masego, One and Pono - encouraged me and made me feel better. We practiced speaking in different places, like grocery stores and on video calls. I'm very thankful for their help and support. They made me believe in myself more during that difficult time of self-doubt.
Day of the Top 30 Interview! That morning I was very calm and that scared me abit because I’m always anxious especially when I’m about to do something out of my comfort zone. I remember I kept on reciting Psalm 23 in the waiting room when the Mr UJ Top 5 were called in for their interview. The nerves started kicking in then. I had met a few of the ladies but I was a bit familiar with Lelo; her and I kept on going to the bathroom because of the nerves. We prayed together to try to calm our nerves down because we believe in calling on God in every situation. That really helped us and got us through our interview🙏🏽While we were in the bathroom, we got a chance to rub shoulders with two of the judges. It was a very great encounter.
I had made it through to the Top 10!🥹I received an email that I’m a Miss UJ APK Top 10 finalist! I couldn’t believe it when I saw that email. I cried when I called my mom and Sandra. It felt like a dream because I didn’t think I was capable of taking up space, but God was with me and His favour and mercy fell upon me. I worked tirelessly preparing for that interview and my hardwork was rewarded. I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. Guess what? Lelo also made it! God came through for us! Our bathroom prayers were answered. A few days after the interview I came across a scripture from Matthew 20:16 that reads as follow: “ And Jesus concluded, “So those who are last will be first, and those who are first will be last.” And it sparked a thought in me, I remembered that at the interview, Lelo and I were in the last group of the ladies who got interviewed. This was confirmation from God that we had made it through to the Top 10. I was in so much awe because of the power and the presence of the Almighty in our lives. All Glory to God!🙌🏽
We had Community Engagement Presentations with the UJ Community Engagement department. As finalists, we were required to present initiatives we want to see take place at UJ APK campus. My initiative is to revive the UJ Ballroom and Latin dance club that is welcome for all students including students with disabilities. I envision UJ to be an inclusive university where students do not only graduate with degrees but with confidence, essential life skills, good wellbeing and an Orange army that empowers all its students in all aspects of their lives.
1st day of rehearsals was hectic! Some of the finalists and myself had to go buy pageant heels and it was so hard to find a size 3 heel (cries in small feet). But, I eventually found a pair that fit me though it wasn’t the type of shoes I wanted. They were so comfortable and easy to walk in.
This journey has enhanced my understanding of humility and the power of collaboration. As someone who was scared of speaking and approaching people, being a finalist has taught me to come out of my shell and work with people. Setswana sa re “Motho ke motho ka batho” and that is very true, because I wouldn’t be here without each and everyone who has been supporting me throughout this journey. From reposting, to commenting and giving me words of encouragement, I truly appreciate it and I hope it does not end with me. Le ba bangwe le ba direle jalo🤍Ke leboga go menagane.
We had to bring our baby pictures to rehearsals and speak to our younger selves. I didn't expect it to be an emotional experience, but it tapped into a space I didn't know I needed to explore. Speaking to my younger self made me realize how far God has led me and how much I've endured to get where I am today. I cried so much afterwards, not because I was scared but because I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude.
Growing up, I struggled with self-doubt and sold myself short. But stepping into the world of pageants unleashed my full potential and confidence. My younger self would surely be proud of the 21-year-old Onke I've become. I'm now confident and unstoppable. The sky is no longer the limit; I'm reaching for the stars, where I belong among other shining stars.
My friends created click baits for my link and some have been finding themselves catching fire because of their catchy captions 🤣. I truly appreciate my circle of friends. This is real love!
Dear Onke, you’re destined for greatness!
Check out my socials to see what I have been up to in the Mr/Miss UJ APK pageant. From challenges from our sponsors, to TikTok challenges with the finalists etc.
sugi