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The Londie London Hair Genie competition gives hope to young braiders

Supplied The reality TV star launched the Londie London Hair Genie competition to support young braiders across SA. At least 13 finalists from different provinces battled it out in Sandton. The top five shared the R200 000 prize money and vouchers to use on the Afrotex website. @citypressza All these hairstyles were done by different hairstylists who were competing for the Londie London Hair Genie Competition! Such creativity 🙌 Congratulations to the winners! ♬ Reflections on 52nd - AGM3 In April 2023, reality TV star, musician and entrepreneur Londiwe 'Londie London' Zulu launched what she called the longest braid in Africa. Two years later, she has contributed to the growth of young braiders' businesses across the country through the Londie London Hair Genie competition, which started last year. Recently, 13 braiders from different provinces battled it out during the competition finale in Sandton. The journey began last April when the braiders posted their work using the Londie London Braid on social media. The second phase of the competition featured the top 30 contestants. 'The competition has been successful. It also encourages hairstylists to be bold and try new things. Some people get bored with just doing a regular hairstyle; they want to do something out of the box. So, this also serves as a chance for them to showcase their talent,' she said. She added that last year's winners shared the R100 000 prize, which doubled this year. The winner, Bernice Momina, took home R30 000 in cash and a R15 000 voucher to use on the Afrotex website. The model she worked with won R15 000 in cash and a R5 000 voucher. Supplied Zulu spoke about her partnership with Afrotex, saying it took them three years to develop the Londie London Braid. 'I have tried a lot of things, everybody knows that. The braid business found me. Afrotex wanted to work with me because I was hectic on braiding, especially when I was a musician. I said if I am going to have a braid line, it has to be the best one with the best texture because I understand braiding and I can braid,' she said. The musician, who is currently working on an EP, said she balanced her busy schedule with prayer and the gym. She added that she was grateful for her mother because she helped her take care of her two children. Zwivhuya Tshifularo, a braider from Madombidzha in Limpopo, took second place. She attributed her success to God, saying: 'God kept His promise yet again.' The 23-year-old said the R20 000 cash prize came at a perfect time as she was working on a new business venture to be launched in August. Tshifularo initially pursued accounting science at the University of Johannesburg but dropped out in her final year to focus on entrepreneurship, aligning with her passion for the beauty industry. She started braiding when she was 11 and wanted to create neat, long-lasting, yet pain-free braids. The hairstylist said her journey to the finale had been overwhelming and filled with sleepless nights. I've been working hard in the braiding industry and I've always anticipated moments such as these where I could showcase my craft. My work is faith-centred and I believe God is doing the work and I'm just a vessel. Zwivhuya Tshifularo Tshifularo's winning hairstyle was inspired by Youth Month and the resilience of the braiders. 'I have always felt like hairdressers were not recognised for their craft and the impact they have on people's lives, putting a smile on people's faces and giving them confidence in their beauty. For Afrotex to give me an opportunity that I have longed for for years, it made so much sense for me to thank them through the craftsmanship of my work,' she said. Supplied Tshifularo's vision is to teach people that beauty lies in braiding hair and help those in the industry perfect their craft. 'I want to teach people to fall in love with every braid before money. I also want to let people know that you can make a good living out of braiding, because I know it's often undermined,' she said. Magcino Nzima, Refiloe Maleka and Phumla Ngomane won the third, fourth and fifth places, respectively. Everyone who did not make it to the top five got R2 000 for participating. Zulu announced the opening of Londie Beauty Shop in Sandton and invited hairstylists to contact her for jobs.