Desireé makes SA proud at Mrs UN World

ALBERTON- Desireé Oliphant, Mrs United Nations South Africa and Brackenhurst resident, did South Africa proud when she walked away with the title of second princess at the Mrs UN World 2016 pageant held in Jamaica.

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The pageant consisted of three rounds. “I was the most nervous during the interview, which counted the most in terms of scoring. Each contestant only had eight minutes to talk about the charity she is involved in within her community,” explains Desireé. She is currently involved in the #SWITCH campaign which teaches children and teenagers to deal with cyber bullying, anger management, depression, crime, teenage pregnancy and psychological disorders. This lady with the winning smile started the campaign as she has suffered from depression and wanted to help teenagers going through emotional distress. “At #SWITCH we believe you can be a better version of yourself daily, regardless of life’s challenges.”

Also read: Desireé’s switch campaign

At the crowning ceremony Desireé wore an evening gown by well-known Pretorian designer, Simon Rademan, and the interesting dress scooped the best evening dress award. “Simon is such an inspiration and I want to thank him for designing a showstopper.”

Desireé is mother to Luciano (18) and L’oreal (14) and works full-time as an account director at Kagiso Media. “I am so proud of my two children, it is a hectic life but I won’t trade it for anything.”

The Mrs UN competition is not classified as a beauty pageant, but rather a platform for voluntary service. “If we change a married woman’s life, you change her family and her community and even the world,” explains Zantie Swanepoel, Mrs UN International 2001 and now director of Mrs UN SA.

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