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Beauty queens, who are in town for the Miss World contest, were in Soweto to plant trees at the newly greened Orlando West Park.
MISS South Africa Tatum Keshwar was joined by 44 other Miss World contestants at the new Orlando West Park in Soweto to plant trees for its official unveiling.
"We are gathered under showers of blessings to unveil the new park; enjoy it, you are always welcome," said the Region D ward 39 councillor, Gladys Fihla at the unveiling on Saturday, 21 November. Once a barren dump site, the park today is a green and inviting open space.
Luther Williamson, managing director of City Parks with current Miss World, Russia's Kseniya Sukhinovia
"City Parks transformed a dumping site into one of the most beautiful parks in the country," she added.
The programme director on the day, Sydney Nkosi, the director of environmental management in the City's environment department, welcomed the beauty queens to Soweto, and spoke about the importance of greening Joburg. "This park is part of the City's contribution to breach the green divide of north and south Joburg ... The park is for the benefit of the current generation, and [contains] play equipment that engages children from a young age."
His words were echoed by Matshidiso Mfikoe, the mayoral committee member for environment, who said: "City Parks' vision is to turn the image of Soweto around."
Learners from Shomang Primary School, dressed in white T-shirts and red caps, performed for the Miss World contestants. They danced animatedly to Mango Groove's Special Star. Keshwar and Mfikoe cut the ribbon to officially unveil the park, which was followed by a ceremonial tree planting.
Photo op
Residents were ecstatic to see the Miss World contestants and were eager to take pictures with them - and gracious as ever, the beauty queens were happy to keep smiling. They were keen on planting trees and interacting with the crowd. "I'm really excited to be here today. It is really beautiful," said Miss Malaysia, Thanuja Ananthan.
Orlando West Park has 300 trees and a variety of sport and recreation amenities, including swings, a netball and basketball court, a professional-size soccer field and a one-kilometre jogging track. There is also a large dedicated playground catering for the physically challenged.
"This park and others are our legacy projects. Our vision is to enhance the lives of Orlando West's residents and visitors to the park." Mfikoe said.
Luther Williamson, the managing director of City Parks, gave his vote of thanks and wished all the contestants luck for the final show.
The Miss World contestants are in Johannesburg for the pageant, taking place at the Gallagher Convention Centre, in Midrand on 12 December.
Miss Japan, Eruza Sasaki, won the Miss World Sports; and Miss Canada, Yanbing Ma, and Miss Sierra Leone, Mariatu Kargbo, won the Miss World Talent Show. All were fast-tracked into the final round of Miss World. There are still three fast track events - Miss World Beach Beauty, on 25 November at the Valley of Pools in Durban; Miss World Fashion, on 28 November at Turbine Hall in Johannesburg; and Miss World Beauty with a Purpose, to be announced at the Miss World finale.
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