Cynthia Dumakude was 42 when her daughter reignited her passion for beauty pageants – a dream she had put on hold so that she could take care of her family. In October, Dumakude was crowned Ms Transcontinental 2026 at an event held in the US. This was just a year after she took the Mrs Bold title in Johannesburg.
Dumakude, 43, a mother of three, began her journey as a beauty pageant contestant as a teenager. However, at the age of 18, she put that journey on hold and invested more into her academics. “I later stepped away to focus on my education, career, and motherhood,” she shared.
This win is not just for me; it’s for every woman who has ever doubted her strength. “I pursued marketing because of my passion for communication, strategy, and storytelling. My career in marketing has sharpened my confidence, leadership, and brand-building skills that translate seamlessly into the beauty industry,” she said.
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Dumakude was born in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, and raised in rural Mafakatini, near Howick, a place she said shaped her resilience, work ethic, appreciation for opportunity, and values that continue to guide her. In 2004, she obtained her first degree in business management and marketing, and the following year, she obtained her honours degree. She is currently a resort marketing manager at Wild Coast Sun.
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