At just 17, Joyce Malindi won her first beauty contest under the oppressive grip of apartheid-era South Africa. Fifty-five years on, she returned to the catwalk, silver curls shining and brown clogs tapping, to take part in a beauty pageant exclusively for grandmothers.
Held in the Tokoza township, just outside Johannesburg, the event included prayers, speeches, and a performance highlighting the scourge of domestic violence.
But the real highlight was the red carpet laid through the community hall, where proud grandmothers strutted their stuff in a competition rarely seen among the many pageants focused on younger women.
“This takes me way back, brings back my youth,” said Malindi, a great-grandmother of five, as she broke into a jubilant jig to “Happy Mama” by legendary jazz musician Hugh Masekela.
Unlike conventional beauty contests, there were no swimsuit or evening gown rounds. Instead, participants showcased their Sunday best — from sleeveless summer dresses and bold orange headwraps to strings of pearls and traditional attire.
Floral prints and well-worn kitten heels gave glimpses of past celebrations.
Supporters — mainly women from the Sukuma Mbokodo Support Group, which organised the event — clapped, ululated, and eagerly filmed the joyful occasion on their phones.