By Nkhensani Mthombeni
Shaun Rikhotso, 19, from Phalaborwa, Limpopo, is the new Face of Heritage South Africa 2024.
He won on Saturday at Inani Hotel, Pretoria, beating finalists from other provinces.
Judges looked at overall performance and pre-event charity work.
On the day, contestants made traditional outfits and wore formal wear and their traditional outfits.
Rikhotso wore tijhovo, a Tsonga men’s outfit similar to Zulu traditional attire.
“I’m surprised, but very happy. This will give me the opportunity to promote the Tsonga culture and its people,” he told Scrolla.Africa.
“For a long time, the Tsonga people have been seen as a minority, but events such as this allow us to showcase our rich heritage.
“It is our responsibility as the current generation of South Africans to preserve our diverse culture. It must be carried forward by the next generation, otherwise we will have future generations without an identity.”
Rikhotso praised the event for showing South Africa’s diversity and beauty and said he plans to use his win to focus on providing food and clothing to orphans in Phalaborwa.
Pictured above: Shaun Rikhotso, the new Face of Heritage South Africa 2024.
Source: Supplied
