Months before going to the Philippines to represent South Africa in Miss Universe 2016, Ntandoyenkosi Kunene shared some interesting facts about her. One of this is her being a fan of pop stars Beyoncé Knowles and Rihanna.
"I'm a performer indoors," Kunene jokingly told People. Ask my siblings. Sometimes, I think I'm Beyoncé or Rihanna, just to name a few."
Kunene was raised in a town called Mkhondo in Mpumalanga, South Africa. She grew up helping to sell the vegetables of her grandparents, who she considers pillar of strength.
On March 19, 2016, Kunene was crowned Miss South Africa. She represented her country in Miss World 2016 but she was unplaced.
"I learned a great deal from my participation in Miss World," Mpumalanga News quoted Kunene as saying. "And I am really looking forward to the Miss Universe pageant and to meet the other contestants from all over the world."
The beauty queen described herself as a natural shopkeeper because of the tuck shop that they own as a family. She also revealed that when in the shower, she spends more time thinking than showering.
It appears that Kunene will pursue a career as a businesswoman whether or not she wins the Miss Universe 2016 crown. In 2014, she opened her own company and now hopes to make it a multi-million rand empire in the future.
As a tropical island kind of girl, Kunene counts the Seychelles, Maldives and Mauritius as her ultimate holiday destinations. On Jan. 18, Kunene and Miss Mauritius Kushboo Ramnawa were among the Miss Universe 2016 candidates visited Baguio City, the coldest city in the Philippines.
A dinner party hosted by Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup was prepared for the visiting Miss Universe 2016 candidates. Along with distinguished people of Baguio City, the event was attended by Miss Universe Paula Shuggart and Chavit Singson, who is one of the major sponsors of Miss Universe 2016.
Have a glimpse of Kunene's visit in Baguio City here: