Inhle Cele (18) was officially crowned Miss City of uMhlathuze, marking a powerful milestone in her journey as a young woman who’s been chasing the crown since the age of 4.
Currently in matric at Empangeni High School, the newly crowned queen is more than just a beauty, she’s a role model, debater, academic achiever, and an example of how far support, humility, and determination can take a young person from a small town to big stages.
“This title means a lot to me,” Inhle says. “I’ve always believed in growth through research, through learning, and through staying grounded.”
Inhle’s journey didn’t start with her recent crowning. It’s been years in the making. One of her early highlights came in 2014 when, at just 8 years old, she entered a pageant held at a casino. It was her first experience being out at night and she walked away with the title of Second Princess. That moment sparked a journey she never walked away from.
Among her favorite moments was in 2024, when she competed in the Toddlers and Tweens of the World pageant in the North West. Driven there by her father, Inhle says it was one of her most pressure-filled competitions. “I was competing against real professionals and I still made it to number two,” she says.
She also recalls a special 2018 moment, when she and her sister both reached the top in a Gauteng pageant her first time outside KZN.
Inhle says her mother has been her biggest cheerleader so much so that she even learned fashion design to support her daughter’s dreams. “She started teaching us about sequences and how to present ourselves,” Inhle says.
She’s also been mentored by former Miss City of uMhlathuze, Luyanda Khubisa, and industry professional Angelique Wright, who both played critical roles in polishing her skills and confidence.
“Pageants are about more than just walking or smiling. For Miss City of uMhlathuze, I made sure to research the municipality and its values it made me grow and take pride in where I come from.”
Inhle’s success isn’t limited to pageantry. She’s also worked with some of South Africa’s biggest retail brands like Soda Bloc (Foschini for Kids), Mr Price, Mr Price Sport, and Ideals. Most of her shoots happen in Durban, and her agency, Model Kids South Africa, opened those doors by preparing her for castings.
She’s quick to point out that it’s not always glamorous. “Sometimes you go for a casting and you don’t get the job. But you keep going. Personality is everything you need to be respectful, humble, and easygoing. Attitude will close doors you don’t even know exist.”
Even with a crown on her head, Inhle’s priorities remain clear: education comes first.
She’s part of her school’s debate team, excels in oral presentations, and at just 13, she was already learning robotics a skill she’s now looking forward to passing on to younger kids in her community.
Her parents ensure she stays balanced with the help of tutors and extra classes. “If academics drop, everything else gets reduced,” she says. “School is my future.”
She’s thankful for her teachers and even her principal, who continue to support her modeling journey while reminding her of the importance of staying focused.
Inhle says she owes her calm and grounded energy to the values taught at home.
“My mom always reminds me: just because you’re a model doesn’t mean you stop being a child. Keep it light, keep it respectful, and remember this is about having fun and building character.”
With the City of uMhlathuze crown now added to her growing list of achievements, Inhle Cele is showing young people everywhere that it’s not just about the title, it’s about the journey, the heart, and the purpose behind it all.
