The spotlight is shining bright on Port Dunford, and for a very good reason. Sixteen-year-old Amanda Mkhize is officially a finalist for Miss Teen Icora FM, bringing a powerful message of self-belief and ambition to the stage.
Currently a Grade 11 student at Qantayi Secondary School, Amanda isn’t just a face on a pageant stage; she is a young woman on a mission to redefine what confidence looks like for the youth of South Africa.
​Amanda’s journey into the world of pageantry didn’t happen overnight. She took her first steps onto the runway at the tender age of 10 years old. For Amanda, modeling was never just about the clothes or the cameras—it was a personal challenge.
​”What pushed me into modeling is that I want to challenge myself to grow up with confidence. I believe that confidence and believing in myself is the key to success in life.”
Every leader has a source of inspiration. For Amanda, that person is Zenambo Mkhize. Amanda looks up to her for the guidance she provides to young girls on how to carry themselves and behave with dignity in modern society.
​When asked what winning the Miss Icora FM title would mean to her, Amanda’s eyes are set on an even bigger prize. She views this pageant as a vital stepping stone toward her ultimate dream: wearing the crown of Miss South Africa.
​Amanda’s ambitions extend far beyond her own success. In a few years, she envisions herself as a successful entrepreneur and mentor. She plans to:
- ​Open empowerment classes for local youth.
- ​Inspire others to overcome a lack of self-confidence.
- ​Create a platform where young people are encouraged to believe in their own potential.
​Amanda’s philosophy is simple yet profound. To her fellow finalists and young girls watching her journey, she offers these words of wisdom:
“Never say never to yourself.”
​As the Miss Teen Icora FM pageant approaches, Port Dunford stands firmly behind Amanda Mkhize—a young leader proving that with enough heart and confidence, the sky is the limit.
