By: Mondli Ngubane and Andile Nxumalo

The much anticipated Mr and Miss DUT auditions were in full swing on Friday evening at the Indian Cane Growers Hall in ML Sultan.

The event was filled with entertainment ranging from poetry, dance and music that kept the crowd on their feet. The hall was packed to its maximum capacity with a vibrant crowd that came to watch as models auditioned for the biggest modelling competition in DUT.

Male and female models took to the ramp with the hope of going through to the next round which would see them taking one step closer to be crowned the king or queen of DUT. Some contestants nerves took over and this made them have difficulty answering the judge’s questions.

Mr DUT 2012 winner Andile Madlala shared that contestants should improve and focus on what they are doing, calm the nerves and have fun.

“Contestants need to understand that the reaction of the crowd has no impact on the final decision- if one maintain his composure and posture and confidence, he/she stands a good chance to win,” said Madlala.

The judges made it clear that it is not about whom they know- it is about personality and being able to help in changing the community.

“When we judge we look at the confidence, knowledge about the university and some composure was needed to make it to the next round,” said George Kress, who was a judge on the evening.

He also mentioned that they were looking for confidence, intelligence and personality, not just a pretty face.

From the large number of contestants who auditioned, only 12 guys and 12 ladies could go through to the next round.

One of the contestants who was eliminated, Sanelisiwe Dlangamandla said she doesn’t believe that she didn’t make it through.

“I think my downfall came when I allowed my nerves to overwhelm me and I know I could’ve done better,” said Dlangamandla.

Nonkanyiso Manyoni, who is a student and was part of the audience, said she can’t wait for the actual main event that will take place late August.

“The event was awesome- I have a feeling that the actual event that will take place late August will be more than this and I’m going to make sure I’m there,” Manyoni said.