Witsies eye Miss SA crown
Miss South Africa contestants receive valuable life-skills as they prepare for the final event
Two Wits students are part of 16 finalists that will be vying for the title of Miss South Africa at the Sun Arena on August 9.
Twenty-two-year-old LLB student, Errin Brits, who was crowned Miss Varsity Shield 2016 told Wits Vuvuzela that the pageant had always interested her. She entered this year because she found the online entry process simpler than previous years, and she decided to give it a shot.
Sasha-Lee Olivier, a 26-year-old Wits Plus Marketing and Psychology student, said she concentrated on remaining truthful to what she stood for – women empowerment.
“There is power in embracing all that you are, whether it is your story, what you are passionate about or your body shape,” said Olivier, who is also a model.
Should she win, Brits would like to go on a first-aid roadshow that targets 10-year-olds. “I would like to equip children with the basic skills, like how to call an ambulance, what to say and how to make time count when it is of the essence,” said the finalist whose inspiration was her first job as a rugby-club first aider when she was 14.
Spokesperson of the Miss South Africa organisation, Stephanie Weil, told Wits Vuvuzela that the finalists were taught invaluable skills by experts, including “media training, self-defence and grooming”.
For Brits, the training has helped her get in tune with herself, as well as learn how to connect with others, while Olivier said the experience had made her realise that there
were many women out there who were trying to make a difference.
Weils said the pageant was about celebrating women. “It remains relevant by giving young women a real opportunity and wonderful role models.”
Reigning Miss Wits Varsity Cup Reo Brydges said she was optimistic about both women’s chances at winning Miss South Africa and potentially even Miss Universe.
“I think these girls are ideal candidates because they are the epitome of an esteemed woman, setting a great example for the youth of South Africa,” said 21-year-old Brydges.
FEATURED IMAGE: Sasha-Lee Olivier (left) and Errin Brits (left) and are finalists for Miss South Africa 2019. Photo: Miss SA
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