Johannesburg - The elements earth, air, water and fire will battle it out on Saturday as 10 beauties vie for the coveted crown of Miss Earth South Africa. Organisers say this is not just a beauty pageant, as they are looking for someone who embodies what it means to be a South African woman, keenly aware of the challenges around sustainability and climate change.
Pageant co-founder Ella Bella said the pageant creates a platform for the winner to affect tangible changes in her community and she has to be on top of the latest environmental career options to share with people as well as environmental laws.
“The Miss Earth South Africa is a leadership programme that aims to empower and green communities around South Africa . We plant trees, vegetable gardens, do community clean ups , run awareness campaigns and conduct educational workshops throughout South Africa. We are looking for someone who is willing to do more for her inner and broader circles. She needs to use her influence to affect meaningful change. Miss Earth SA also celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. For us, it’s all about preservation of the environment,” she said.
Co-founder, Catherine Constantinides said the impact of the work of Miss Earth must be felt on the ground.
“We must see the change in communities. Miss Earth has to raise awareness and lead action on the ground and the environment is the vehicle,” she said.
Partners for the pageant, who made sure the prizes are phenomenal, include Southern Sun, Servest, Sappi, Lanza Healing Hair Care , Interwaste, and Brand South Africa. Prizes for the winners include David Green eyewear, treatments from Skin Renewal SA for her year as Miss Earth, Europa Art shoes to the value of R 40 000, Panier des Sens Luxury Lifestyle Products, L’abeille Natural Alchemy Products, Life Day Spa massage treatments and all her hair treatments will be sponsored by Lanza Healing Hair Care .
Miss Earth SA’s manicures and pedicures will be taken care of by Crema Nail Lounge in Greenstone, accommodation around the countryside will be with Southern Sun, her lighting needs will be taken care of by Eurolux, a sponsorship of ROAR FIT Gym apparel for the winners and upcycled Silver Linings Gumboots for her planting expeditions.
Companies and Friends of the Miss Earth Family that helped make the event possible include Denim, which will provide the entertainment for the night, Michelle Wine by Kay N, Ardagh Glass Company, Over the Top Events, 3 2 1 Systems Technical Support and DKNY.
The guest speaker for the event is Nelson Muffuh, resident co-ordinator of the UN in South Africa. The judges for the pageant include Leanne Manas (Morning Live SABC 2), Mpumi Mlambo (Metro FM), Candy Tothill (corporate and marketing manager from Southern Sun), Abigail Visagie (eNCA), JJ Tabane ( eNCA Power to Truth) and Zizo Tswethe (South African model and television personality).
Contestants will be kitted out in evening wear by Werner Dey Couture and New Romantics. The pageant will also feature two young students from STADIO School of Fashion who have upcycled materials to create exquisite garments for the contestants.
“GVL by Georgia Landori is aimed at mitigating fast fashion by upcycling and creating a new life for garments. The second designer is Juanita Soobiah with her “Ma’s Wardrobe” Collection is a tribute to her grandmother,” said Bella.