In a lively community hall in the Tokoza township near Johannesburg, a group of South African grandmothers took to the runway, proving that age is no barrier to beauty or confidence.
The unique pageant, designed especially for women in their golden years, offered a refreshing celebration of resilience, pride, and joy.
The event brought back memories for Joyce Malindi, who once won a beauty contest at just 17 under apartheid. Now, 72, and a great-grandmother of five, she twirled once more on the catwalk, embracing a moment that reconnected her with her youth.
This was not a typical beauty contest. There were no high heels, no swimsuits, and no designer gowns. Instead, the grandmothers showcased their Sunday best—bold patterns, flowing dresses, pearl necklaces, and traditional attire that spoke of heritage and personal style. Some wore bright orange headwraps while others came dressed in floral prints and low-heeled shoes polished by time and care.
Supporters cheered from the sidelines, clapping, ululating, and capturing every moment on their phones. Many were fellow members of the Sukuma Mbokodo Support Group, which organized the event to honor grandmothers and remind them of their value beyond the roles they’ve long filled in their families.
The room buzzed with laughter and chatter, especially at the makeshift makeup station, where red and berry lipsticks were popular but not essential. Most women let their natural beauty and broad smiles shine. Nearby, volunteers served chai and scones, adding to the warmth and camaraderie of the day.
The pageant’s contestants ranged in age from 63 to 81. After strutting proudly and sharing their stories, it was 70-something Margaret Fatyela who claimed the silver crown. For her, the moment was more than just a win. It was a first—her first pageant, her first chance to be celebrated in this way. A retired domestic worker and mother of eight, she received a modest gift of a tea set and toiletries, but the joy radiating from her face was worth far more.
Next to her sat first runner-up Lidia Mokoena, who wore her beard with quiet confidence, further defying conventional beauty standards and proving that self-acceptance is ageless.
Behind the joy was a serious purpose. Many South African grandmothers raise their grandchildren, often alone. With high rates of unemployment, teenage pregnancy, and AIDS-related deaths, nearly 40 percent of children live in homes headed by grandparents. Yet, these women often live in the shadows, their contributions overlooked once they retire.
Local official Bridget Thusi described them as “forgotten citizens,” who deserve recognition for the love and labor they pour into their families and communities. The pageant, she said, gave them a break from their daily struggles and a moment to feel seen, appreciated, and proud.
For Malindi, the day lifted her spirits after years of grief following her husband’s death. It reminded her that life still offers joy, and that growing older doesn’t mean fading away. With sparkling eyes, she summed it up simply: “We are still alive. We better make ourselves the right grannies.”