How Zozibini Tunzi inspired model Inga Mkalali to join pageantry
When Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss South Africa in 2019, she inspired countless aspiring models, including Inga Mkalali.He drew inspiration from her wins.
Inga, who is from a rural village in the Eastern Cape was inspired to try his hand at pageantry and he did just that and succeeded.
He shares his inspirational journey of triumph and success with Drum.
'My love and passion for modeling started in 2019 when Zozibini won Miss South Africa, but when you are from the rural areas, opportunities are limited. I only got to enter my first pageant in 2023 and won it,' he says.
'It changed my life for good and showed me that I can do anything I put my mind to'.
He competed in Mr Indoni Cultural SA 2024, alongside contestants from 11 different tribes, and was recently crowned Mr Heritage SA Public Choice Winner 2025.
Growing up, he's always wanted to become an actor, but that changed when he saw the role journalists play in society.
'I only started having a passion for journalism last year when I realised how often journalists put their lives in danger. I also realised the important role they play in educating, informing and entertaining people,' he explains, adding that that since winning the Indoni Pageant, his life hasn't been the same.
'I can't make mistakes like other people, and I always get messages in social media from people asking for money.'
But the role he enjoys playing is that of serving as an inspiration to other young people who wish to follow in his footsteps.
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'Being in the public eye has given me a platform to inspire people, especially those coming from rural areas, who aim to show that anything is possible regardless of one's background, as long as you put your mind to it,' he says.
'Your background doesn't define you'.
While being a model, especially winning a pageant amasses fame and fortune, he maintains that the glitz and glamour that come with being in the spotlight are not his primary focus, instead he wants bring about a change in his community.
'For me modeling is not about the glitz and glamor, it's all about making a change in my community and being the voice to the voiceless. I always tell myself that the most important crown I could wear or win is my heart. I don't really focus on winning. My focus is on impacting the community, asserts.
The fact that he hails from a small Eastern Cape village is not an impediment to him, as he aims to be even bigger model with plans of pursuing modeling further.
'I'm seeing myself on New York or Paris fashion week. I have dreams of making it big and I know one day, those dreams will become a reality,' he concludes.
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