Seven beautiful young South African women are vying for the R30 000 grand prize in the Dawn Glowing Skin competition, with the winner being announced on SABC1’s Selimathunzi on Saturday, 10 April.

Searching for women with beautiful skin, the competition focuses on the importance of skincare as part of your daily routine.

Spokesperson for Dawn, Ethne Whitley, says the competition has been well supported throughout the country, with entries from Mafikeng to East London, and large numbers coming from towns in Mpumalanga and the North West, as well as Polokwane and Johannesburg.

“The competition is searching for women who have beautiful skin and who appreciate the balance between glowing skin and healthy skin,” she says. “Dawn was launched in the 1960s and remains an integral part of many beauty routines throughout South Africa. We know that women all over the country want the confidence that beautiful glowing skin brings, and that’s why they trust Dawn. It’s the market leader in the hand and body lotion sector and has evolved as a brand to remain the preference of young modern women.”

Competing for the grand prize are Nthabiseng Marie from Germiston; Sihle Sihlwele from Cape Town; Kgothatso Mahlangu from Shoshanguve; Gabrielle Mukensturm from Weltevreden Park; Nomalanga Mogase from Fourways; Hleki Masango from Emalahleni; and Karabo Modise from Soweto.

Nthabiseng Marie is 23-years-old, and qualified from varsity last year with a degree in Geography and Environmental Management. The only girl among four siblings, she currently works for a PR company. Nthabiseng has done her fair share of modelling and was a finalist in the Miss FTV competition.

29-year-old Nomalanga Mogase lives in Fourways and is a project administrator at the United Nations in Pretoria, where she thoroughly enjoys the challenges of her work. The eldest of the seven finalists, Nomalanga says she entered the competition because she really does believe in Dawn. “I searched for a while to find something that would benefit my dry skin, and this works. My favourite is the African Marula fragrance.”

Soshanguve resident, Kgothatso Mahlangu is a trainee auditor working in the Office of the Auditor General and says she entered the competition because: “I thought the money would come in handy, plus I’m confident and have good skin! Being the youngest of three girls means you’re quite protected, and my sisters are great role models.” The 23-year-old has a good head for money and says she’ll be investing some of her winnings if she takes the grand prize.

Born in the Eastern Cape and currently residing in Cape Town, 24-year-old Sihle Sihlwele is an electrical engineering graduate who is doing her training at Eskom. She’s delighted to be one of the finalists. “I’ve never won anything before in my life,” she laughs, “so being a finalist has been a great experience. I’m hoping to win the big prize of R30 000 so that I can spoil my mom and buy a few things for my new home in Cape Town.”

Gabrielle Mukensturm recently moved to Weltevreden Park from Cape Town and says her boyfriend entered her in the competition because, “he believes I have what it takes to win!” A professional dancer, 24-year-old Gabrielle says if she wins the grand prize she’ll send money home to her family in Namibia. “And I’ll buy a couch!” she laughs. A firm believer in eating healthily and drinking lots of water, Gabrielle feels fortunate to have beautiful skin. “I use a mild soap and water plus lots of moisturiser and a good body lotion like Dawn.”

24-year-old Hleki Masango from Emalahleni hopes that entering the Dawn competition might give her an opening into the modelling industry. A big believer in regular moisturising; eating healthily; and following a regular exercise routine, Hleki says Dawn has always been a part of her skincare routine. The oldest of three siblings, she adds that her mom is her biggest supporter. “She’s a great role model and is always there for us.”

Soweto resident, 23-year-old Karabo Mahlangu has recently completed an internship at SETA and hopes to be able to put her winnings to good use in order to study further. She has already completed her business management studies, and regards education as very important. When it comes to skincare she’s equally diligent. “I believe you should spend time on your skincare routine and I do put in an effort with moisturising. I also eat healthily and exercise regularly.” Karabo also has some modelling experience.

Watch Selimathunzi on SABC1 on Saturday 10 April when the winner of the R30 000 grand prize will be announced.