‘Face my power’: Miss SA finalist praised for flaunting skin condition

With past Miss SA’s like Zozi Tunzi breaking the mould when it comes to beauty standards, a new finalist is continuing her legacy.

Making the Top 30 this week is Zoey Seboe, who is on a mission to normalise her rare skin condition and push the envelope of diversity and inclusion.

Zoey’s body is covered in lamellar ichthyosis, a rare genetic disorder that is present at birth and continues throughout adult life. As a result, Zoey’s skin has a dry and scaly appearance.

MEET MISS SA TOP 30 HOPEFUL ZOEY SEBOE

In official Miss SA portrait pics, the 22-year-old proudly flaunts her unique appearance. In fact, one look at her social media platforms, and it’s clear that she’s happy with the skin she’s in.

The law student said in her media statement that she entered Miss SA the opportunity to empower herself and others.

She said: “I entered because I am ready to face my power and embrace my future. I believe the Miss SA platform is closely aligned with the social causes I support.”

“I believe I should win because I am driven to take this platform to the next level, not just in diversity and inclusion but in breaking stereotypes that have been consciously and unconsciously perpetuated towards those who look different.

“My goal is to inspire people to believe in themselves and to promote a fair representation of diversity and inclusion on platforms that help us define our collective and cultural narrative.”

On her Instagram account, Zoey has shared several motivational posts about self-acceptance. “It defines part of my very own existence”, she said in one post about her skin condition.

TWEEPS PRAISE UNIQUE BEAUTY

It’s not just Zoey Sidebe’s beauty that has captured the attention of Miss SA fans – it’s also her confidence and commitment to being included in

Here’s what tweeps have had to say about her

@thabiiiee: “When they say representation matters they aren’t lying. Someone just shared with me one of the Miss SA contestants and I’m literally crying. Zoey Seboe has my heart. She is doing what I’ve never had the courage to do which is not let your skin condition define you. She is beautiful”

@Zoemkoena: “People who are conventionally attractive will never understand how much representation matters. I want Zoey to win Miss SA. When I was younger, I could only wish to see someone who looked like me being portrayed in a positive light by mainstream media. I want this for the girls”

@JohnsonAwalle: “Zoey is changing the narrative of beauty her story is powerful”

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