Young model hopes to take the crown
Tyla Matthyser is only 13 years old, but she has a busy year ahead as she will be competing in Miss South Africa Junior and the Face of South Africa contests.
Even though she comes across as shy, this pupil from St Dunstan’s College is ready to show off her abilities.
The Miss SA Junior pageant takes place from April 29 till May 3, where the winner in each category will be crowned and an overall winner of Miss SA Junior will be announced.
“I was asked to join the regions for Miss SA Junior and I am now in the finals with 61 other contenders,” said Tyla.
There are various categories in the pageant and she is in the Petite (13 to 15 years) category.
The judging process for the pageant includes an evening wear, casual wear and an interview section, which all have a theme.
“I am preparing for this by training on Saturdays. I am practising interviewing skills and outfit changes, but I also pray,” she said with smile.
The Face of SA runs alongside the Miss SA Junior pageant and Tyla is in the top 30.
She now needs votes from the public to boost her chances of possibly representing the country.
Tyla said modelling has helped her break out of her shell.
“I hope that it will help me continue to gain confidence,” she said.
“Even though I am in Grade Eight, I am able to juggle my school work during the week and model on weekends,” said Tyla.
The Kempton Park resident also has a spirit of giving back to those in need and she has worked with a number of children’s homes in Benoni.
She has also been trying to assist raising funds for a baby who is 50 per cent deaf.
“Giving back is good. When you have a lot, it important to give back,” she said.
If you would like to vote for Tyla for the Face of SA, SMS MPT52 to 47018.
Lines close on May 2.
