Student, studying B Comm Business Management at Stellenbosch University.
I would like the opportunity to reach out to others who aren’t as lucky to have such a blessed life. I would love to be a blessing to an even larger group of people. I would be able to bring my personality and sense of humour, as my name means Father’s Joy, to the role. I love to laugh and believe that a day without laughter is a wasted day.
Jo-Ann Strauss. She has managed to “keep up appearances”, if one can put it that way. She didn’t just fade after her year of reign; she managed to create a career afterwards, where she continues to help and inspire others. I feel that you shouldn’t just have a year’s reign and then it’s all over.
If you won the Miss SA crown and was able to meet one person, who would it be and why? Beyoncé, I love her! I’ve watched a few of her live DVDs and she just has an absolute passion for what she does. She lives and breathes what she does; I would like to feel the same about what I do one day.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I won a hoola-hoop competition in primary school. I’ve stayed in six towns (including Cape Town) over the last 19 years. I like to eat odd food concoctions, like peanut butter with carrot.
What do you do in your spare time? Walking and hiking are definitely my favourite pastimes. I’m starting to read again, now that I’m on holiday and have more time.
Favourite TV show? Cougar Town.
Anzél Stofberg
From: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Age: 22
Occupation: I completed my B. Accounting Degree at Stellenbosch University last year. This year I continued studying to improve my marks and have been accepted into the B. Accounting Honours programme for 2014.
Why do you want to be Miss SA and what do you think you will be able to bring to the role? I am a strong and driven woman. I empower others to believe that they are worthy and to believe in themselves and I know this is what our country needs. I have a love for South Africa and I know that our people have world-changing capabilities. I want to be part of and contribute to such a process of change.
Who is a previous Miss SA who has inspired you? Jo-Ann Strauss, I had the privilege of meeting her in her year of reign, and the way she treated me as a young girl, with respect and acknowledgement, made a huge impact on me.
Who are your role models? Mamphela Ramphele. She is a brilliant woman who has achieved success, has a strong character and determination. She is open minded and has a strong vision for our country.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I competed in the Ironman 70.3 in January.
What do you do in your spare time? I am a sports fanatic and train every day. I run, swim, cycle, go to gym and hike. I run half marathons and do triathlons. I love painting and renovating old furniture.
Favourite TV show? Suits.
Caylene Marais
From: Roodekrans, Roodepoort, Gauteng
Age: 23
Occupation: I have just completed my BA Languages degree in English, majoring in copywriting and editing at the University of Pretoria. Other than that, I have internationally recognised master’s qualifications in neuro-linguistic programming, hypnotherapy and timeline therapy. Combining these two elements has placed me at the head of communications for the World Shakers History Makers organisation.
My life has changed drastically over the past two or three years. Through my NLP and metaphysical studies, and having qualified as a life coach, I have learnt many life lessons and principles in which I believe.
If given a big enough platform, I could completely change society. Many of our youth have the basics to survive, and there are many charities that provide these basics, but so many neglect to acknowledge that emotional starvation is more severe than anything else.
Above that, people need not only receive food, water, and shelter, but they also need an opportunity to grow and change their environment. As Miss SA, my goal is to empower South Africans with the emotional, spiritual and mental tools to enable them to rise above their circumstances and grow into successful citizens and content human beings.
Who is a previous Miss SA who has inspired you? I don’t have one particular favourite - I admire each of them for the role they have played in our country.
If you won the Miss SA crown and was able to meet one person, who would it be and why?I would love the opportunity to have a conversation with Patrice Motsepe. I don’t believe that our generation is aware of the massive contribution he has made, and continues to make, to our country.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I find that because of my history in pageants and the stereotypes that are associated with pageant girls, people find it surprising that I have a brain and (on occasion), a personality! Also, I have represented my province in judo, water polo and horse-riding. Lastly, I am not double, but triple-jointed.
What do you do in your spare time? I enjoy being outdoors whenever possible; any outdoor activities top my list, specifically camping, hiking, and horse-riding. I am a gym fanatic. Fitness is very important to me so I make sure that I make time for training too.
Favourite TV show?I wish I valued TV enough to say, but I don’t, and am thus still on season 2 of Grey’s Anatomy.
Dipalesa Mbola
From: Phase 3, Bloemfontein, Free State
Age: 22
Occupation: I am a student doing Honours in Business Management. I graduated with a B Comm marketing degree. I am also a lecturer’s assistant in the business management department. I help with marking test scripts and assignments.
Why do you want to be Miss SA and what do you think you will be able to bring to the role?
I believe I can use the bigger platform to change lives. I feel that I have really spread my wings in my province and have touched lives and created a name for myself in my own small and unique way.
I want to be Miss South Africa because I have what it takes. I am a loving person, I love helping people, I am passionate about youth development, I can relate to many people, I am approachable, I am a great listener, but above all, I have a great story to tell. I can inspire others.
Who is a previous Miss SA who has inspired you?
I believe all the Miss SA’s that have been crowned are amazing women and I’d be honoured if my name would be put up with the rest of them as Miss South Africa 2014. However, I would choose Joan Ramagoshi. She is very assertive, she can make decisions, she can be tough and at the same time she is very warm and loving.
Who are your role models?
My late mom; she was a wonderful and humble soul. She raised me by herself after my father passed away and life was wonderful for me. I always knew that we were not rich, she worked as a domestic worker but there is not one moment growing up where I felt that I was poor. She carried the world on her shoulders and was always grateful for what she had.
I do love spending quality time with friends. I love modelling, I love doing hair for friends as well as make up.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I am a breadwinner in my house.
Favourite TV show? Ellen DeGeneres, America’s Next Top Model, Top Billing, V- Entertainment.
Jade Hübner
From: Bergvliet, Cape Town, Western Cape
Age: 21
Occupation: I am a student at UCT, studying Business Science Marketing.
Why do you want to be Miss SA and what do you think you will be able to bring to the role?
I truly believe in what Miss SA stands for. I am an extremely passionate person and I feel, if given this opportunity, I would put my heart and soul into it and be able to accomplish a lot during my reign.
Who is a previous Miss SA who has inspired you?Jo-Ann Strauss because she has turned herself into a brand and in doing so has brought great publicity and honour to the Miss SA Pageant. She continues to inspire many young girls and woman to respect themselves and to be ambitious. She is a successful business woman but also gives of her time, thanks to her charity work.
Who are your role models? I know this is the most corny and common answer but it really is my mom. She is kind, gentle and moral. She is incredibly independent and I admire her.
What do you do in your spare time? I love dancing, ballet, modern and salsa. I sing, act and play the guitar and I was the lead in many musicals while growing up. I sing in my church band, love water polo (I played for Western Province for two years), swimming, surfing and wake boarding. I love boxing (I did martial arts for five years). I love playing all sports and doing extreme sports such as skydiving, abseiling and kloofing.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?I had five percent vision so at the age of 20, I saved up and paid for Lasik surgery myself and now I have a 100 percent vision.
Favourite TV show? The Mentalist.
Julia Petersen
From: Greenwood Park, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal
Age: 22
Occupation: I have a degree in management and communications from the University of KZN Howard College in Durban. At the moment I am a professional model at Models International in Durban.
Why do you want to be Miss SA and what do you think you will be able to bring to the role?
I have great leadership skills that will ensure I will be a successful leader and ambassador for our country. I am driven, dedicated, passionate and humble and I am compassionate towards people. I have a strong passion to empower young women.
I have been through the same challenges growing up as young women are facing today, such as low self-esteem and a lack of identity and I believe I can use my testimony to empower them to become confident and secure in who they are. I feel I can motivate them to realise their purpose and help release the great potential hidden inside each and every one of them.
Who is a previous Miss SA who has inspired you?
There are two - Melinda Bam and Marilyn Ramos. The reason being is that both of them are beautiful but they have that inward beauty that shines from within and radiates on the outside. They are also hard-working and focused.
Who are your role models?
Tyra Banks and Adriana Lima. I look up to Tyra Banks because not only is she one of the top supermodels in the world but she uses her platform to encourage and empower young girls and women. She sends out the message that there is no one definition of beauty and that beauty comes in different shapes and sizes.
Adriana Lima is a gorgeous Victoria's Secret model and what I admire about her is that she remained a virgin until the age of 27 when she got married.
What do you do in your spare time? When I'm not modelling and doing fashion shows and shoots, you will find me on the beach jogging or at the pool swimming on a hot summer’s day. I love exercising and keeping fit. It has become a part of my lifestyle. I also enjoy reading motivational books to feel encouraged and uplifted. I love watching Bollywood movies.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I am terrified of the dark and used to sleep with my sister in her room. This year I started to sleep in my own bed room, on my own, without the light on!
Favourite TV show? America's Next Top Model.
Matlala Mokoko
From: Currently resident in Johannesburg but grew up in Ga-Masemola, Marogwe in Limpopo
Age: 23
Occupation: I am a student at the University of Johannesburg doing B Comm Accounting. I plan on obtaining my degree by the end of this year and doing my Honours in Financial Management.
To motivate and inspire, especially young people. It is crucial for them to start young in exploring the opportunities given to them. They must always be mindful that as young people, the world has many doors that we have keys to which we can open.
Challenges must not deter us and through commitment, dedication and a persistent focus we can reach our destiny. No matter where you come from, be it the rural areas such as me, or the city, success is attainable.
Who is a previous Miss SA who has inspired you? Basetsana Khumalo as she has strived to be a renowned business woman and has not only let her title see her through but the essence of who she is and her substance has seen her furthering herself beyond the title.
If you won the Miss SA crown and was able to meet one person, who would it be and why? Former President, Thabo Mbeki. There is something about him that leads me to believe that I could learn a great deal from him. Other than the obvious, that he was the president of the country for good reason, I feel that he could tell an incredible story and walk you through the past and give you wisdom for the future.
What do you do in your spare time?In my spare time I coach netball, I tutor, and I also model. Most dear to my heart is playing netball for the first team of the University of Johannesburg and I have both my provincial and national colours for netball.
Favourite TV show? I am a reality TV junkie.
Mishka Patel
From: Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Western Cape
Age: 21
Occupation: I have studied business management through Unisa and also want to do a tourism course. I love travelling and learning about new and undiscovered places. I am also a model at D&A Model Management and am a part time promoter.
Why do you want to be Miss SA and what do you think you will be able to bring to the role? I have the motivation, ambition and confidence to become an inspirational ambassador to the youth of South Africa. I want to inspire people to start believing in themselves, to start living their dreams and to start fighting for what they want.
I want to help the youth of South Africa by simply being an inspiring and positive figure they can look up to, not only as Miss South Africa, but as a friend. I want to spread the message: If you can dream it, you can do it. It simply starts with you.
Who is a previous Miss SA who has inspired you? Melinda Bam inspires me because not only is she incredibly beautiful and intelligent, but she does so many good things in the community. Anybody can simply look up to her, not only the youth of South Africa. Her determination and motivation is so inspiring.
In one of her interviews she said: “You have to have motivation, ambition and confidence to become an inspiring ambassador to South Africa and the youth of South Africa” and those exact words made me realise that I have what it takes to follow my dreams and enter Miss South Africa.
If you won the Miss SA crown and was able to meet one person, who would it be and why? Charlize Theron - I see her as an inspirational South African figure. She was born and bred here. And after facing terrible circumstances with her family, she rose above it, followed a dream and made it happen. Today she is an inspiring and successful woman that any young woman or women can look up to!
What do you do in your spare time? I love to read, I love the gym and the outdoors. I love hiking. Staying fit and exercising is very important to me. I like to be and feel healthy. Other than that I am a typical girly girl, who loves shopping and spending spare time with my family and friends.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I am blind without my reading glasses and I am insanely scared of moths.
Favourite TV show? I don’t watch a lot of TV; I am more the series or movies kind of girl when I get the time. But when I do watch TV, I tend to always end up watching channel 170 or 171 on DSTV. Dr G Medical Examiner is one of my favourites. I find it interesting to learn new medical terms and see how an investigation proceeds, how the criminal is caught and how justice is served. The second TV show I like is MasterChef - I love food!
Rolene Strauss
From: I'm currently living in Bloemfontein (Free State), but I’m originally from a small town called Volksrust in Mpumalanga.
Age: 21
Occupation: Medical student at the University of the Free State.
Why do you want to be Miss SA and what do you think you will be able to bring to the role? When someone says "South Africa" I get goose bumps. I have this fire of passion burning inside of me for our country. The opportunities I have received have made me who I am today and I've realised that there is so much to give; to our country and our people.
Miss South Africa is all about giving. One of the greatest gifts anyone can receive is the gift of a healthy life. With my passion for giving, people and health, I will be able to contribute to one of the most important things any country desires: health for all.
Who is a previous Miss SA who has inspired you? Jo-Anne Strauss. I remember meeting her as a nine-year-old girl in my hometown, Volksrust. She brought Miss SA to the people and is still making a change in the lives of others.
She is the perfect example of a beautiful, strong woman who became Miss SA, went back to university, finished her studies and to this day is using all her opportunities since her crowning 13 years ago. I would love to be one of her successors.
If you won the Miss SA crown and was able to meet one person, who would it be and why? Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe. She is a trained medical doctor and has a passion for health and giving through the Motsepe family foundation.
She is also the chairperson of African Fashion International (AFI) where her dream is to take young people from townships and rural area, give them skills and show them what they can be. She is a true inspiration of what a hard working woman can achieve in South Africa.
What do you do in your spare time? My mom used to tell me that the more you do, the more you get done. I’ve always been a very active person. I love playing golf, exercising, going to the movies in Bloem (probably because Volksrust doesn’t have a mall or movies), reading inspirational books and listening to educational audio books.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I’m the University of the Free State’s first successful test tube baby.
Favourite TV show? The time to watch and follow TV shows is rare, but when I get the chance I like watching Grey's Anatomy and Bones.
Tidimalo Sehlako
From: Vereeniging, Gauteng
Age: 22
Occupation: I recently completed my degree, which is a double major in journalism and marketing at Monash University.
Why do you want to be Miss SA and what do you think you will be able to bring to the role? For me Miss South Africa is more than just a platform to celebrate a woman’s beauty. It is a means to social change; I would like to build on the legacy that exists and use it to shape the quality of women from my generation and, most importantly, be an advocate for better education and educational infrastructure.
Who is a previous Miss SA who has inspired you?Basetsana Kumalo still stands out for me. She was crowned when I was three-years-old, growing up she was a household brand. She has relentless presence and she has carried the crown beyond her reigning year. She is a beauty pageant winner, TV personality, businesswoman, mother, wife and a philanthropist. For me, she is a super woman.
If you won the Miss SA crown and was able to meet one person, who would it be and why? Maya Angelo as she has an aura of pure wisdom; I feel like just a few words shared with her will enlighten me on being a woman.
What do you do in your spare time? In my spare time I like going to Arts on Main in the Joburg CBD, it has a relaxed and artistic ambiance. If I’m not at Arts on Main I am either reading a book or riding my bicycle.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you? Most people say I look like a fragile person but I’m actually tough as nails. My mom raised me to stand up for myself.
Favourite TV show? Suits
Tshegofatso Monggae
From: Roodepoort, Gauteng
Age: 20
Occupation: I’m currently a student at the University of Johannesburg where I’m studying B. Comm Entrepreneurial Management. In the next five to 10 years’ time I see myself owning petrol stations and a chain of franchises.
Why do you want to be Miss SA and what do you think you will be able to bring to the role? I believe Miss SA will give me the opportunity to reach out and make a positive impact on more people on a larger scale compared to the community work that I’ve been doing up until now. Touching and inspiring people’s lives is something that I do on a daily basis and by winning title I’ll be able to reach more South Africans.
Who is a previous Miss SA who has inspired you? Basetsane Kumalo. From the dusty streets of Soweto she has become one of the finest jewels of South Africa. Many young women like me, look up to her and are inspired to do great things because of her.
If you won the Miss SA crown and was able to meet one person, who would it be and why? Former President Thabo Mbheki , a leader who implemented strategies that would alleviate poverty in our communities, a man of knowledge and a man who strived to see a better South Africa.
What do you do in your spare time? I read, listen to music and model.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you? That I love speed and cars with great horse power!
Favourite TV show? Rhythm City, Scandal and Top Gear.
Ziphozakhe Zokufa
From: Walmer, Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape but currently in Cape Town for my studies.
Age: 22
Occupation: I am a television production student at AFDA, the South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance. I also work as a model.
Why do you want to be Miss SA and what do you think you will be able to bring to the role?
This has been a lifelong dream for me and I have always wanted to enter. I love grabbing opportunities that come my way and the ability to inspire the youth of South Africa and the country as a whole has always been something I have strived for. The Miss South Africa brand would therefore be the perfect platform to be an agent for change.
Who is a previous Miss SA who has inspired you?
Basetsana Kumalo who has truly used her title accordingly. She is a powerful business woman who has implemented change in this country. She is definitely the kind of woman I aspire to become.
If you won the Miss SA crown and was able to meet one person, who would it be and why?
Oprah Winfrey. I have learnt some of the greatest life lessons watching her shows. She is a powerful media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer and philanthropist and is a powerful woman who has established her brand with hard work and dedication.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
People are usually surprised to know that I used to be a professional singer. I travelled abroad representing my province and country.
Favourite TV show?
Top Billing.