The event, which was held at the Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre on November 5, welcomed the crowning of Mr and Miss Benoni 2017, Luke Gericke and Jennifer de Beer.
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“I feel honoured and cannot wait to represent Benoni,” Gericke said.
De Beer, who also won the People’s Choice Award, said she looks forward to what is coming up.
“I have not experienced so much love and affection from family, friends and people I do not know,” she said.
Gericke was accompanied by his second prince, Karabo Mashiloane and first prince, Tristan Cawood.
De Beer’s second princess is Maricelle Rautenbach and first princess, Saskia da Costa.
The winners were chosen by judges Victoria Welthagen (Miss Benoni 2016), Jaryd Buchler (Mr Benoni 2016), Simone Schroeter (former Mrs SA finalist), Gopalang Chawane (former Mr Benoni first prince) and Jacob Bronkhorst (Mr SA finalist).
The event, which had several sponsors, was hosted by Rampage Modelling Agency and entertained by master of ceremonies Ron McHarg, saw 36 contestants competing in the pageant for two rounds; swim, evening wear and introductions.
From these two rounds, the top 20 (10 men and 10 women) were chosen for round three which was questions and answers.
Gericke was asked by Mr Benoni 2016 what makes him angry, to which he responded: “Personality clashes will anger people, but it is better to walk away”.
De Beer was asked by Bronkhorst what she would do if she found a bag of money with no contact details, to which she responded that she would invest it in her business and support her loved ones.
During the introductions round, Mashiloane said he is studying grafting and design; Cawood aspires to be a professional golfer; Rautenbach is a teacher who loves art and da Costa said true beauty is about the mind and soul.
History of the pageant
The pageant was started 32 years ago and was taken over by Rampage over 20 years ago.
“We were asked by the late Bernard Gunzenhauzer, who was a big ambassador of Benoni and who did a lot for the community,” said Debbie Moore and her co-owner, Claudine Stuart and Lindi Lopes.
According to the women, the pageant aims to bring the community together and to raise money and awareness for various charities in Benoni.
“This year we are raising funds for the Almond Tree Baby Home,” the women said.
The monies were raised by 2017 contestants during the preparation week leading up to the finale.
Andrea Dries was announced debutante at the charity handover, which was collected by Zina Rotherham from the Almond Tree.
“Rampage looks for a role model for Benoni, someone who has the X-factor and who stands out in social situations and events,” the women said.
Chanley Wong (Miss Benoni 2014) also attended to show her support.
“I now am a television presenter on eTV for a show called Sisterhood and I also have my own blog called wongway,” the beauty said.
“This pageant helped me to further my love for charity work.”
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