Sihle Makhanya, 2015 Miss SA Finalist and Future Leaders mentor, talks to us about what she’s been up to. 
Who is Sihle Makhanya?
Sihle is an ambitious, hard-working, goal-driven and smart young woman. I’m also a hectic go-getter. I absolutely love empowering young women. I’m a health fanatic and make a difference wherever I am. I’m a very business-minded person; I think a lot of people would never assume that about me since I’m a model.
You quickly attained popularity when you were a Miss SA finalist this year. How was that experience like for you?
I learnt so much from it, which is why I will forever be happy that I entered. I learnt things like identifying and understanding your brand and how to make the most of any opportunity. Miss SA, like any competition, is a great platform if you know exactly what to do with it. So, with me, it was and has been exactly what I had expected of it.
You were a fan favourite; people genuinely thought you were going to take the crown. Were you shocked by the amount of love you received from people on social media?
I was extremely shocked by the love. I knew KZN would support me because we’re always supportive of each other, but just seeing so many other South Africans behind me was so heart-warming. I know that in whatever I do I will always have their great support.
You are now a mentor on Future Leaders. Tell us about your role.
I am currently mentoring a young girl called Hlengiwe Mcoyi. We’re basically meant to help them execute their community-changing projects by using the platform we have as mentors, but most importantly, help them realise that life is greater than indulging in alcohol at a young age and trying to bring out their inner leader. I am trying my best to not only focus on her project, but on leaving an impactful mark in her life by helping her mend her relationship with her mom and herself. She has self-esteem issues like any teenage girl, so just being there for her wherever I can. 
How is the YOU DECIDE campaign involved with the show?
You Decide helps the kids realise their full potential and re-direct the teens from resorting to underage drinking. They always make sure that they have access to whatever it is they need in terms of counselling and even with their projects.
What further actions do you think can be taken to curb underage drinking in our country?
I believe our country needs to make more activities to keep children busy, because in most cases, teenagers resort to drinking due to lack of things to do. So, encouraging things like sports, arts and culture activities would be beneficial to decreasing underage drinking.
You’ve been working with people like Goodhope FM DJ Loyd and Yo TV presenter Jessica Tims. How has that been?
It has been an eye-opener. They’ve been in this industry for a while so they’re always giving me advice and just there for good laughs as well. We all get along as mentors and have fun when we’re together.
When does the show air and why should people tune in?
It plays on Sundays at 5:30pm on SABC1. The show is an edu-tainment programme so there’s so much to learn from it, but it’s also funny. I know from the shoots I’ve done with my mentee, the viewers will definitely be entertained. 
Let’s talk family; you are Fezile Makhanya’s younger sister. Has he shared any tips on how to deal with the pressures of the entertainment industry?
My brother entered the industry when I was about 9 years old. I would go with him to shoots at times. So, I basically watched him handle himself in this industry growing up, so from watching him grow, that’s how he gave me the tips to handling the pressures of the industry. Even though things have evolved now from that time, he’s still very informed on how things work and is literally a phone call away if I need anything. Side note: he’s very protective over me, but what’s cool is he gives me the space to figure things out on my own as well after advising me.
What do you think of your brother’s performance on Rockville?
He proper nailed it! The role was definitely out of his comfort zone because he’s been doing sports for so long, but he did a stellar job I was always so proud watching him every week.
It’s still Women’s Month. What are your dreams for the future generation of women?
I’d love to see us women being allowed to be feminine, but still be taken seriously in the business and working spaces. The more feminine we are right now seems as though we are thought of as weak, which is wrong because our strength lies in us being ourselves, which is being a woman. I’d also love to see our country have a female president.
And what else can we expect from Sihle in the near future?
Definitely expect to see more of me on your screens, magazines and more modelling.
