By: Nasiphi Gigaba

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has seen beyond what people have always known as “beauty” by introducing the very first Mr and Mrs DUT that took place last Friday.

The Cane Growers Hall at DUT’s ML Sultan Campus was packed to capacity with students all eager to see those that will make an addition to DUT’s ambassadors by being crowned Mr
or Mrs DUT Thick 2015.

The event was sponsored by the Student Housing and Residence Life Department in partnership with the Central Housing Committee to encourage plus-sized individuals to be
more comfortable in their skin regardless of their body size.

“I am honoured to have this opportunity. I never for once in my life thought the word ‘model’ would be used referring to me because I have always been told I am too “fat” for modelling”
said Londiwe Hadebe, the newly crowned Mrs DUT Thick 2015.

No doubt, the event was a success. The judged included Charles Dlamini, currently the face of Markham, crowned Mr KZN 2011 and rated the most stylish trend setter or two
consecutive years.

Lisanne Lazarus, recently crowned Miss DUT 2015 also made an appearance.

“A lot of hard work was put into making this event a reality, I myself had to abandon my personal duties and focus on organising the event because I believe in plus-sized models and
that modelling should not only be open to slim individuals,” said event’s organiser, Fani Mnguni.

Headded that the event will continue to run, possibly for many more years to come since it was a huge success on its first hosting.