The search is on for the next woman to be crowned Miss South Africa 2017.
This year one of the semi-finalists is a local resident, Devoney Crossman from Greenstone.
Devoney is a human resources administrative consultant by profession. She is also the co-owner of Olive + Maroon, a women’s clothing, jewellery and sunglasses brand.
This 24 year old is not new to beauty competitions/pageants as she has entered other pageants such as the Face of Clearwater where she was crowned Second Princess. She is also a Top Model winner of the performance arts apprenticeship; Miss Million Dollar, where she was in the top 10 as well as in the top five of Mr and Miss Pretoria.
When asked why she wanted to be Miss South Africa, Devoney said the title would allow her to have the ability to effect change where previously she didn’t have a platform to do so.
“That being said, I want to hold the crown with poise and grace but, at the same time, effect change in the lives of South Africans. I am fortunate enough to have a diverse background and therefore believe I could instil positive change in the youth of today,” said Devoney.
She said she believes a Miss South Africa should possess qualities that are awe-inspiring but at the same time people should be able to relate to her.
“She needs to be able to hold her own in any situation, while executing herself in a gracious and genuine manner. A woman who has a unique aura about her. One who is noticeable from the minute she walks into a room,”she said.
Devoney said she was made aware of the Miss South Africa pageant in 2009.
Local beauties ready for Mrs SA finale
She met Vanessa Carreira at a dancing competition she attended in Sun City.
Her grace and poise, and all round love and kindness for the people around her, was a magical experience for her.
“Vanessa was the first Miss South Africa who made a huge impact in inspiring me to become that woman I was so fascinated by. However, over the past few years each and every Miss South Africa has had an impact on me in one way or another; each possessing different qualities that are inspiring,” she said.
She said when it comes to her role models, it was more of a collection of people who have inspired her in some way along her journey through life.
“The most important people would have to be my mother and my grandmother.
“These two women are the epitome of bravery, courage and love.
“Brave because of the incredibly difficult obstacles that have been thrown at them, courageous for picking up the pieces and still enjoying the best that life has to offer them and loving because no matter what the circumstance, every person who crosses their path is left feeling appreciated and worthy. That to me is inspiring and something worth striving for,” said Devoney.
She was adopted at the age of two.
“My father died in a terrible robbery when I was just nine months old and my mother died in a car accident when I was two.”
“My mother’s sister, along with her husband, adopted me without a second thought. I will forever be grateful for their love and support and for raising me to be the woman I am today.
“They do however live in Thailand and have been for the past 11 years. I am the ‘laat lammetjie’ of the family and have two brothers and two sisters who are all older and married with children,” she said.
Devoney loves finding hidden gems for outdoor activities or restaurants during her spare time.
“I am a real foodie and absolutely love trying different cuisines. I have two dogs that I love spoiling and taking for walks, and that stems from my love for animals. I enjoy visiting game parks and having the privilege of witnessing our beautiful animals in the wild,” she said.
She urged young girls and young women in South Africa to be strong and assertive but most importantly, to be educated and aware of current issues.
“The message is to be relevant in an ever-changing country. As a young woman, never shy away from your true worth,”she said.
Devoney is a fan of South Africa’s Olympic gold medallist, Caster Semenya. She said Caster is the epitome of a strong woman who isn’t affected by the comments of others.
“She did what, in her heart, was right and she was always true to herself.
“This is a quality Miss SA should have.
“This is a quality all women should have. the ability to remain true to yourself when everybody else thinks you should change,” she said.
Some of Devoney’s favourite things:
- She is currently reading the book ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho.
- The music she listens to depends on the mood she is in at the time, or the mood she would like to be in. “I am not really fussy. Examples would be Black Coffee, Bastille, Chainsmokers and Hillsong.”
- Her favourite television show is Grey’s Anatomy.
- She loves Italian melanzane parmigiana and bobotie
- Her favourite quote – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
