By Chrizelda Kekana.
Kabelo Mokoena.
Pretoria-born Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg, at the age of 18, became the second-ever Miss World South Africa in Sun City on Saturday.
Jansen van Rensburg will now represent South Africa at the 72nd Miss World pageant in February 2025.
A digital and marketing executive at Scuderia, Ferrari South Africa, she believes that every person can contribute to the greater good of the world and age, in that context, is nothing but a number.
Having tagged her beauty with a purpose project “Never Too Young to Advocate”, the beauty queen is intentional about creating global visibility as well as audibility for the youth.
“Our organisation focuses on three essential pillars: educate, graduate, and advocate. I hope to use the power of social media to enrich our community with mental fortitude as well as self-encouragement. This is the key foundation needed to integrate our youth into positions of acknowledgment.
“I believe that I have the qualities to bring back the fourth blue (Miss World) crown for and to South Africa. That crown is my biggest ambition because it is a vessel for change, and that in itself holds so much power,” said the 18-year-old.
The 2024 Miss World SA final was a glamorous event that had stars in attendance such as Carol Bouwer, Theo Nhlengethwa, Proverb, Mthandazo Gatya, Aubrey Ngcungama and the Mahotella Queens.
Said Jansen van Rensburg: “Amongst others, NTYA [Never Too Young to Advocate] initiatives include daily affirmative content… reaching one’s highest potential, workshop, an e-guide on building curriculum vitaes, global ambassadorship positions and others,” said.
According to the Miss World South Africa website, Jansen van Rensburg works with various charities.
Bouwer, licence holder and president of the Miss World South Africa Organisation, had nothing but praise for the model.
“You have demonstrated to all of us that you are more than just a pretty face, but a force to be reckoned with as you showcased your unique qualities which will undoubtedly inspire many others with your grace and charm.
“Your poise and professionalism throughout the competition set you apart as a true winner. Congratulations on your well-earned victory, may your success continue to sparkle like the crown you will be wearing, called Peo, the Setswana word for seed. Peo, represents the process of coming into existence or prominence, the process of becoming visible after being concealed. It takes a strong seed to emerge anew.
“You’ve not only won the hearts of the judges since July when the top 10 contestants were announced, but also the admiration of all who witnessed your stunning performance here at the Sun City Super Bowl,” said Bouwer.
The 18-year-old from Pretoria beat runners-up Romanda Hombi and Nande Mabala to win the crown.
First princess Mabala, 26, is a model and social and media entrepreneur from Cape Town, Western Cape.
“To the runner-up, first princess Nande Mabala you added to the Miss World SA glamour and excitement and should be proud of your achievements. Congratulations on your admirable efforts,” said Bouwer.
Judges of the pageant included Rea Malatji, Ntsoaki Ledimo, Malaak Compton-Rock, Norman Cahi and Taibar Bacar.