Ximiyeto Makhubele, an IIE Rosebank College Alumni, Shines as a Top 10 Finalist in Miss World South Africa 2024

In the true spirit of embodying the famous quote, “If at first you don't succeed, try, try again…” IIE RC alumna, Ximiyeto Makhubele is marching forward to show young women that anything is possible with enough perseverance and resilience. Growing up in Giyani Limpopo, aspiring to be a model was uncommon, however Ximiyeto remained undeterred in fulfilling her dream of gracing the world's biggest stages one day. She began her modelling career at the tender age of 15 and continued participating in pageants, eventually entering Miss World South Africa in 2023. Although she only reached the top 50 that year, she did not give up.

In 2024, she re-entered the competition and now stands just one step away from the crown as a Top 10 finalist. "Being a Miss World South Africa Top 10 finalist means the world to me, and it's all because of hard work, dedication, and passion," she said.

Ximiyeto said she views the Miss World South Africa platform as an opportunity to amplify her voice, make a meaningful impact on social issues affecting the youth, and empowering young women in her community, South Africa, and Africa as a whole.

Taking que from South Africa’s first statesman President Nelson Mandela that, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world’, Ximiyeto never neglected her education obtaining an IIE Diploma in Information Technology in Software Development at IIE Rosebank College. IIE Rosebank College is Brand of the Independent Institute of Education The IIE.

“I did not want to just take part in beauty pageants. I wanted to be involved in solving the problems we’re facing and inspire others from rural communities that we are just as good and can achieve anything we put our minds to.”

Her experience as Head of Academics in the Student Representative Council at IIE Rosebank College shaped her leadership qualities, teaching her valuable lessons in interaction, responsibility management, and personal growth.

Something which she said was paying dividends in helping her forge ahead in her career and the pageant, given that family and friends were concerned how she would handle the pressure as a reserved and mild-mannered person.

As the Miss World South Africa competition enters its final phase in September, Ximiyeto remains hopeful and determined to reach the top. With her eyes on the crown, she is ready to showcase her hard work, dedication, and passion. This moment culminates years of perseverance and unwavering belief in her dreams. Ximiyeto is excited and optimistic about the journey ahead, confident that her story of resilience will inspire others. She hopes to make her supporters proud and continue using her platform to advocate for education, women's empowerment, and social cohesion.