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Reigning Miss South Africa, Sasha-Lee Olivier, has some advice for those still deciding whether or not to enter this year’s pageant as entries stream in from across the country.
“All you need for this moment is a thorough knowledge of who you are and what you stand for; a vision for what you would like to do with this title and the courage to pursue it. A lot of young women ask ‘How is it that we know we are ready to enter?’ or ‘How do we know when we know enough?’ The truth is that we don’t. In fact, I am still learning while I am wearing the Miss South Africa crown,” says Olivier.
“I think the belief that innately we have the capacity to be here is fundamental. So believe in yourself and you are halfway there already.”
Miss South Africa, she says, transforms lives and she believes she is living proof of that.
“Our presence on a platform such as this brings about the idea of possibilities - a future reimagined for little girls and women alike. In this, we realise just how much this was never about us to begin with, but rather about those who we represent.
“To the women who don't fit the pre-assumed template placed upon them by a subjective society or a guide that dictates narrow standards regarding what it means to be beautiful, they must see that they have been, and always will be, enough the way that they are. That beauty never was and never will be a body shape, but rather what you put out into the world.”
Olivier explains how she has had to adapt her role as Miss South Africa during the Covid-19 lockdown:“I continue to lend my voice to a multitude of causes – not in person – but through social media. I am continuing with my#itsnotyourfault campaign which is aimed at making sure that people, like me, who have endured sexual assault, know that they are not to blame for their abuse.I am also continuing to raise funds from corporates and individuals to buy, pack and distribute Rape Comfort Packs.”
Last week, Oliver was able toattend an event for International Nurses Day, along with theDeputy Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla and Gauteng Health MEC, Dr Bandile Masuku.
Miss South Africa 2020 will be crowned in the first weekend in August, as the country starts its Women’s Month celebrations, with an entertainment-packed pageant which will be broadcast live on both M-Net and Mzansi Magic.
Those who wish to enter this year can simply visit www.misssa.co.za, answer a number of questions and upload photographs from their social media accounts such as Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.
Entries for this year's competition close on May 31. To enter, go to www.misssa.co.za and click on the tab ‘Miss South SA 2020’ and then ‘ENTER NOW’.
Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with M-Net, Mzansi Magic and Sun International.
Issued by Ninesquared Communications and Events on behalf of the Miss South Africa Organisation. For more information contact Janine Walker onjanine@ninesquared.co.zaor 083 600 9753; Grant Bushby ongrant@ninesquared.co.zaor 076 494 4747 and Nhlanhla Shezi onnhlanhla@ninesquared.co.zaor 078 772 6485
