Miss Tourism South Africa 2021

On cover image: Asande Mchunu, modelling teacher and Miss Tourism South Africa 2021.

Let’s get to know Asande Mchunu, a KZN born phenomenal young woman, who specifically grew up in Kwa – Mashu. We tried to hear from her what exactly does she love about being a South African and this is what she said, “I love the people of South Africa! Oh man, there’s nothing quite like us. our spirit, our energy and warmth resonate in everything we do. I also love South African food - whenever I travel overseas the South African food is what I always miss the most”.

Please share when did you commence with modelling, what inspired you to ever start, and what does it take to be a qualified modelling teacher? “I started modelling when I was 12 years old turning 13, and I had just moved to Port Elizabeth from Durban. To be precise I was only a dancer and a singer back then, so I never thought I’d ever find myself doing modelling until that one day when my mom decided to register me to a modelling school”.

“So to be a modelling teacher one needs to first and foremost have a burning passion for the development and evolution of others because teaching has been about not self but the next person. To me the most satisfying part of my job is moulding bold, confident and outspoken young ladies who undoubtedly know their value as well as what they are capable of". Before being a modelling teacher, I was a student myself for about 6 years, then I went on to train specifically to be a modelling teacher for an additional 2 years - so I would say it also takes experience, perseverance and passion”.

What kind of spaces and engagement do you love and enjoy as a person and why? “I love spaces and activities that allow me to learn, grow or simply have fun. A few examples would be church, travelling and spending time with my family”.

Tell us about your role as MISS TOURISM SOUTH AFRICA, how did you become the ambassador and what is expected from you in that role? “I entered Miss Tourism South Africa through an organization based in Johannesburg called Pageants SA – and I won. So as an ambassador my role is to live out my passion of travelling whilst showcasing our beautiful South African tourism sites, and one would say I’m talking about getting paid to have fun, but no the fun comes after long trips and long chats with tourist guides about all the tourism sites I am visiting”.

You’re currently doing the brand awareness campaign about SANP, how many parks have you visited thus far and which is your favorite/s and why? “I have visited two parks so far as Miss Tourism SA, which are Addo Elephant National Park and Mountain Zebra in Cradock. And yes I have personally visited quite a lot of parks in the past whilst travelling with my family, up next on the national parks tour I am busy with as an ambassador will be Wilderness National Park which I’m quite excited about. My favorite park in SA is Hluhluwe Game Reserve which is back home in the heart of Zulu land, I think I love the camp sites, the river and the lodge they have there”.

Lastly, as a young woman in SA – what can you advise other young women about social media behavior? “I would say what one says or does on the socials will leave a lasting impact. So people should conduct themselves in a manner which they are proud of. Your social media is your mobile business card, what do you want it to say about you? Don’t do yourself an injustice, represent yourself wisely”.

To know more about SANParks: https://www.sanparks.org

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