Pageant participants from the greater Stellenbosch area have returned after a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Timeless Magnificent Women Icons International (MWI) and Magnificent Men Icons International (MMI) 2025 competition in Mumbai, India.
Among the South African delegation were nine kings and queens from Cloetesville, Pniël, Kylemore and Klapmuts who were selected to fly the SA flag on the global stage at the crowning at Rietenbosch Primary School hall in November last year (“India beckons for youth”, Eikestadnuus, 12 December 2024).
The group departed to India on Tuesday 4 February and embarked on an exciting cultural experience and competed with models from, among others, Gambia, The Netherlands, USA, Portugal, India and Guinea Bissau. At the Timeless MWI/MMI 2025 pageant they took to the runway in four costume categories, including one that depicted the representatives’ national costume, along with interviews with the judges that amounted to 50% of the overall tally.
And the local models upheld the name of the Cape Winelands in the East, bringing home three titles on Tuesday 11 February: Calling Academy learner Martino Appollis won the Mr MMI International Scholarship; Hayman Jacobs of Rietenbosch Primary walked away with the Little Mr International; and Cloetesville resident and community worker Sonja Adonis was crowned Ms MWI Woman of Distinction.
According to Adonis, the competition aims to drive home the message of the importance of role-models, regardless of age. “The contestants must inspire others to also be good and solid role-models, while simultaneously representing our respective countries and communities,” she explained.
“Along with the charitable work the contestants had to perform in their communities, they also raised funds for local organisations in need. Furthermore, they were ambassadors for MWI/MMI and Scholastic Scholarship.”
Adonis said the reception they received upon arrival in Mumbai was welcoming and heart warming. “During our visit, we visited a local school, where we were also warmly welcomed. The delegates truly enjoyed every minute of exploring another country,” she said.
“For me, the icing on the cake was receiving the award of recognition, along with Johannesburg local Andries du Preez and two delegates from the USA. All the local delegates and the three parents, who accompanied us, cannot stop talking about the wonderful experience.”
