By: Sandile Zikhali and Nomfundo Mlaba

Following the huge turnout and mass participation at the auditions last month, the Durban University of Technology’s Residence Life and Student Housing hosted this year’s Mr and Miss Res Fresher at Cane Growers at the ML Sultan Campus on Friday.

The event was held just two days after the 2014 South African elections thus the event organizers dedicated it to the struggle of freedom. The models opened the show with an exceptionally choreographed Sarafina dance routine.

The dedication to the struggle was well received by the audience as during the night they would be chanting freedom and “umzabalazo” songs. Simo Gagayi, one of the students at the event, said that the event was well organized and the theme related well with the atmosphere seeing as most students voted in the recent elections.

“I think the organizers did very good, the entertainment was on point. Even though there were technical problems there and there but the event was awesome,” Gagayi said.

The choreography was followed by each model sharing a quote from a fallen hero to motivate their fellow peers to never give up on their hopes and dreams.

Londiwe Nkosi, who seemed to be the star of the show, defied the sayings that modeling is for thin and tall people. She won the Miss Personality title and she also took the 2nd Princess place.

“Even though I was nervous, and had a little problem when walking because I was shaking, people seemed to love me. That gave me confidence to walk with my head held up high,” Nkosi said.

Last year’s Miss DUT Fresher queen said that she has learnt a lot from the experience and hope that the King and Queen of 2014 grow as much as she has grown during her reign.

Nkululelo Mbatha (20) was crowned the 2014 Mr DUT Fresher and Sphelele Luthuli (20) was crowned the 2014 Miss DUT Fresher.

Cane Growers hall was fully packed that other students were not allowed to enter due to the full capacity of the hall. Picture by: Sandile Zikhali

“This is an amazing moment. I hope that throughout my journey I will motivate, grow and be motivated,” said Mbatha.

The majority of the contestants were walking the ramp for the first time and despite not getting the crown, still felt as winners.

“I believe that we have all grown and gained self-confidence. The fact that we did not win will not stop me from trying again,” said Londiwe Radebe an 18-year-old contestant.

Pisee, a student ambassador for Red Bull who was a member of the organizing committee, said that they dedicate all gratitude to their sponsors, the Department of Student Housing, Red Bull and Isolezwe. “Without them none of this would have been possible”.