Local beauties take centre stage during annual Miss Soutpansberg

The search was once again on for the region’s beauties with the hosting of the second annual Miss Soutpansberg pageant, which took place at Northgate Lodge outside Louis Trichardt on 2 December.

The event commenced at 18:00 with the casual ramp round, where contestants had to present themselves in jeans and a white shirt, earning points for confidence, personality, walking ability, and introductions. Following this was the “Top Model” round, during which the contestants channelled their best New York Fashion Week renditions, accompanied by a performance from the up-and-coming Kyrie Wallace, who presented songs from his new album "Venda to Harare". Subsequently, contestants returned to the stage for the evening-gown round, showcasing a stunning parade of grace and poise, leading to the announcement of the top three winners in each category. The top three were also asked one onstage question, evaluated on content, confidence, and conciseness.

The judging panel comprised Ronja Janse van Rensburg, a modelling veteran with more than 20 years in the industry, Munaka Ramovha, a local businesswoman holding several beauty pageant titles including Miss Louis Trichardt, and Jerry Makananise, a 22-year-old psychology student recently crowned as Miss Universe Diversity. Jerry also serves as the founder and director of the Miss Soutpansberg Organisation Dream Team, which organised the event. Other members of the “dream team” include co-directors Wilmarie Mudubhi and Sankofa Khumalo.

During the judges' deliberations, additional awards were presented. The Director's Choice award, part of a new Cinderella programme sponsoring a young girl in the community to inspire her towards her dreams, was awarded to Liezel Nieuwenhuizen (17). The Golden Heart Awards were given to Karlien Cronje (12) and Liezel Nieuwenhuizen for raising more than R3,000 collectively, in support of Louis Trichardt's own autism superstar, CJ Mollentze (13). Other awards included Public Choice, Best Interview, Best Dressed, Miss Congeniality, Miss Personality, and Top Model.

The top awards were claimed by the following: Little Miss Soutpansberg 2023 was won by five-year-old Vhusa Sivhidzho; Miss Pre-Teen Soutpansberg 2023 by 12-year-old Sewela Baloyi; Miss Jnr Teen Soutpansberg by 13-year-old Vululami Rikhotso; Miss Teen Soutpansberg by 17-year-old Charity Mashige; Miss Soutpansberg 2023 by 22-year-old Tendani Thavhana; and the Miss Soutpansberg Overall Winner 2023 by 21-year-old Blessing Semenya.

"Miss Soutpansberg is so much more than a beauty pageant. It provides a platform for young girls in our community to speak up about the things that matter. We will soon open selections for our new Cinderella project winner of 2024, encouraging nominations of girls with potential who might face financial challenges. Feel free to nominate a deserving candidate by contacting us at 072 745 9251 or via Facebook at Miss Soutpansberg," said Jerry.

This year’s Miss Soutpansberg was made possible by “Gold Sponsors” Ocean Basket Louis Trichardt, Best Drive Louis Trichardt, Northgate Lodge, and S Signs. Sponsorships were also received from Studio 1 Beauty Bar and Café (which provided refreshments during the event), baked goodies by Cakealot, Premjee Louis Trichardt, C Jay's Hair Salon, Steers Louis Trichardt, TimBuild Louis Trichardt, Tumie The Beautician, Isis Decor, and Just Bella Beauty Lounge.

Date:20 December 2023

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