This year’s Top 12 Miss South Africa finalists – one of whom will be crowned Miss South Africa 2018 on May 27 – have been announced as the pageant proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary with a dramatic and exciting change to its format.
Traditionally, during the final on pageant night, the top 12 finalists are reduced to five, from which a second princess is announced, followed by a first princess and then the winner.
This year, following the cut to the top five finalists, the organisers will go straight to a top two announcement. One of the pair will be named Miss World South Africa and one will receive the title of Miss Universe South Africa. Both will go on to represent South Africa on the global stage in each respective competition.
However, as there can be only one reigning Miss South Africa, the two winners will be asked one final question by the judges as the pageant draws to a close. Their answers will determine who is crowned as the official Miss South Africa 2018.
The Top 12 finalists, who each receive a prize package valued at R180 000, come from six of the country’s provinces. They are an impressive group and include several medical, science and law students and a number of BComm and BSc graduates.
In the weeks leading to the pageant, KDanielles Media will introduce you to two of each finalist. Today meet Akile Khoza and Anzelle von Staden:
Name: Akile Khoza
From: Thulamahashe, Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga
Age: 23
Studying: I am a Master’s student in neuroscience at the University of Stellenbosch.
Why do you want to be Miss South Africa and what do you think you will be able to bring to the role?
I want to inspire young girls to chase their dreams. I want to be a vessel of hope and a symbol of beauty that transcends deeper than physical beauty. Beauty that is confident and strong and comes from within. I will be able to bring qualities of a woman who is relatable, kind, hard-working and passionate about serving her community and country.
What qualities do you believe a Miss South Africa should possess?
She should have a serving heart, be relatable, kind, generous and passionate about empowering other women and girls. She should be kind and loving to those around her. She should be humble and gentle in everything she does. She should have a teachable spirit and strive to always do good.
Who is a previous Miss South Africa who has inspired you and why?
Rolene Strauss. She is very compassionate and a definition of beauty that comes from within. She is true in everything she does, graceful, confident, gentle and proudly South African. She embodies qualities of a woman full of greatness and such a woman I aspire to be.
Tell us a bit more about your family.
My dad is a police officer and my mom is an educational technologist specialist. My sister, who is the oldest, is studying towards her second degree – also at Stellenbosch University. My brother, who is the middle child, is married and currently working as a chartered accountant. I am of course the youngest child.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love being active. I keep on the go mainly by playing netball and basketball. I played under 21 netball for Maties and for a combined university team.
What is your message to young girls and young women in South Africa?
My message, which is also my motto, is: “Everything is possible for one who believes.” This means that whatever young girls and young woman believe in, whatever they put their mind and heart to, is possible. They should go out, work hard and chase their dreams and never give up.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I am extremely tall (1,85m to be exact) but surprisingly I am not a fan of heights. Although, this is a challenge I am fighting to overcome it by hiking and jogging up a mountain!
What are you reading?
I am pursuing my Master’s degree in Neuroscience, so most of the time I spend reading is research articles.
What is your favourite quote?
“Everything is possible for one who believes.” It is actually a quote from the Bible.
Name: Anzelle von Staden
From: Centurion, Pretoria
Age: 25
Why do you want to be Miss South Africa and what do you think you will be able to bring to the role?
To be Miss South Africa would be a big honour. I want to make a meaningful difference every day and I would utilise this platform, with all its privileges, to empower, equip and inspire the youth. To collaborate with all Miss SA initiatives and to share my story. I believe one’s story is a powerful tool to bring about change in one’s world. Someone very dear to me fought a battle against breast cancer for more than 10 years. I was fortunate enough to be part of that journey for eight years and I now recognise that there is a need that I cannot ignore so I would use this brand to attract sponsors that could aid in not just the cancer patients, but their families too, emotionally and financially. One in four South Africans are affected by cancer and more than a hundred thousand South Africans are diagnosed with cancer annually. Due to cancer treatment costs, Medical aids are often unable to cover many of the treatments and medicines.
What qualities do you believe a Miss South Africa should possess?
Miss SA should be the epitome of selflessness, strength, tenacity, love and kindness. She must have a passion for her country and its people. You should make everyone feel like someone and listen to what the people need.
Who is a previous Miss South Africa who has inspired you and why?
Melinda Bam. I was in Grade 8 when she was in matric at my school. To witness the transformation in her becoming such a strong, vibrant, confident woman and to experience how this platform has changed her life and how many doors this has opened is phenomenal. I realise Miss South Africa is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Who are your role models?
An incredible woman whose name was Rentia. She was like a second mom to me. She fought a courageous battle against cancer. She is my role model because even though she had every reason to quit and to become cynical, I never heard her complain once or be negative. She was everyone’s pillar of strength. She taught me to love fearlessly, believe outrageously, hope without measure.
Tell us a bit more about your family.
I come from a very big family. On my mom’s side, I am the youngest of 15 grandchildren. I have two older brothers and yes, they are very tough on me, but I know they love me. My mom is a teacher and my dad is an insurance assessor. I have three furry kids, two Pekinese and a golden retriever called Leo.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle and I’ve been a sporty person all my life.
I love taking my dogs for a walk as I am a very ‘out-doorsy’ person. Nothing beats watching my favourite series or a good book; and don’t forget the chocolate! Quality time with family and close friends – I really treasure relationships.
What is your message to young girls and young women in South Africa?
Right now, globally, we are at a time where women are fighting for equal pay in the workforce, equal opportunity, and against sexual harassment. So my messages are: rely on one another and don’t compete; set each other up to win and succeed in life; use education to create opportunities and to become strong, independent woman; embrace and love who you are and share your story.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I have been told that I bring out the best in people and draw out their confidence. It is something I am very passionate about, seeing people succeed and to achieve their dreams. I am a very quirky person and you would never be bored in my presence.
What are you reading?
Lisa Bevere’s book Without Rival. The book is about embracing your identity and purpose in an age of confusion and comparison.
What music are you listening to?
I love listening to Ed Sheeran, Coldplay and Bethel Worship. Currently, my favourite playlist is the soundtrack from the movie, The Greatest Showman.
What is your favourite quote?
Live the story you want to tell and smile at your fears with unconquerable eyes.
Image source: Supplied
Kеep on working, great job!