Gauteng’s Miz Cambell crowned Miss Drag South Africa
Miz Cambell is Miss Drag South Africa 2020/21 (Pics: Shae-Lin Burn / Rise Photography)
A stunning Johannesburg designer who’s also a robotics expert was crowned Miss Drag South Africa 2020/21 over the weekend.
The 28-year-old Miz Cambell, who identifies as non-binary, competed against nine other finalists from around the country for the coveted title, which promotes the ethos of “drag with a purpose”.
A panel of judges conducted virtual interviews with the finalists and evaluated their ‘drag with a purpose’ projects, social media interactions and talents showcased in video submissions.
Miz Cambell was awarded the coveted crown during a virtual online event that debuted on Saturday night. They not only impressed the judges with their elegant presentation during the swimwear and evening rounds but also won a special award for Best in Interview.
Miz Cambell is a self-employed designer and stylist at Designed by Jy. They are also a part-time Robotics lecturer at African Digital Education Trust.
“I’m truly blessed and honoured to carry this title, Miss Drag South Africa, with grace and dignity,” said Miz Cambell. “It truly has been a challenging journey competing during a pandemic but it also opened up a lot of opportunities for me. I was able to start my ‘drag with a purpose project’ with my family, namely The Jacobs Community Family, where we serve meals every Tuesday and Friday.”
“Let your rainbow be so bright that we can all feel it…”
Miss Drag South Africa 2019, Belinda Qaqamba Ka-Fassie, who was recognised internationally during her reign, graciously “handed over” her crown to the new titleholder.
“To the new Miss Drag South Africa, congratulations, my queen! Take up space, come and take your deserved and earned seat at the table,” said Ka-Fassie. “This is your time. Lead with elegance, with eloquence, speak with purpose and with a big heart. Let your rainbow be so bright that we can all feel it.”
The top 5 also included Ashren Madlopha – 1st Runner Up from (Mpumalanga), LaPont – 2nd Runner Up (Northern Cape); Britina – 3rd Runner Up (Free State); and Ycer Machimana – 4th Runner Up (Limpopo).
“Hosting the virtual show was definitely not a walk in the park,” commented Miss Drag South-Africa pageant director Enigma Von Hamburg, “however, Miz Cambell is indeed the right person for the job. Her contribution to our ‘drag with a purpose’ projects and her commitment to making a positive change in our communities are extremely inspiring and well received.”
Von Hamburg expressed her gratitude “for the phenomenal support across the board and of course special thanks to an amazing team, our esteemed panel of judges, our sponsors and media partners.”
Miz Cambell is set to travel to Cape Town next month for the official crowning event, which will include a prize ceremony, press conference and a video and photo shoot.
If you haven’t watched the Miss Drag South Africa show yet, the virtual event is still available on Quicket until 27 April 2021. Tickets are only R60.
Wow, what an amazing initiative! I can imagine how difficult it must have been to organize an event of this size virtually. By the way, all the dedication and effort make the online event lose nothing to the in-person one. Incredible event aside, what can I say about the winner? They are living proof, to those who insist on disqualifying LGBTQIA+ people, that their gender identity says nothing about their abilities and talents.
Only 28 years old and a robotics expert! Our non-binary pride.