After a tough year last year and having to make the tough decision of cancelling Mr and Miss Benoni 2020 due to lockdown restrictions, the pageant is back with a funky theme and ready to receive entries for the 2021 crowning.
The organisers, Claudine Stuart and Debbie Moore of Rampage Modelling Agency in Rynfield, are in their 27th year as organisers of this pageant, which has been a highlight of the Benoni social calendar for decades.
It was always only a Miss Benoni pageant but incorporated Mr Benoni 14 years ago.
The first Miss Benoni, Susan Bekker (née Dyssel), was crowned in 1954.
The pageant queen died at the age of 85 on April 16. She had lived in Northmead with her husband for over five decades.
While ecstatic at their decision to host a pageant again this year, Claudine and Debbie have had to scale everything down to accommodate the current lockdown restrictions and strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols.
The pageant usually draws masses of entries and 20 girls and 20 guys would traditionally hit the stage at the grande finale.
This year, however, only 20 finalists will be chosen (10 girls, 10 guys).
I Love My City is the theme this year, and participants can look forward to a fun and colourful journey to the finals.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Meet your Mr and Miss Benoni 2019
The City Times is also again the proud sponsor of the People’s Choice Award, voting for which will take place on our website.
“Our charity beneficiary is again The Knights Charity Association,” Claudine said.
“We have had a long affiliation with them and they do wonderful work, which we are happy to support through Mr and Miss Benoni.”
She added that 2020 was not the best year for the reigning titleholders due to Covid-19, but Alexia Cawood and Jacob Nkwamba still got involved in their communities to make a difference where they could.
“We were not sure if hosting a pageant this year would work under the current circumstances, but the youngsters have really missed the pageant and we feel it is exactly what is needed to lift everyone’s spirits. We are very excited,” Debbie said.
Sponsors, prizes, donations needed
As always, the success of the pageant is heavily reliant on sponsorship for each finalist and prizes for the participants.
“We realise many businesses have been affected by lockdown and that some of our loyal sponsors may be unable to assist us this year.
“Unfortunately, we have had to adjust the sponsorship budget drastically and will be running the competition with fewer contestants and guests,” Debbie explained.
“The pageant is run solely for a charitable cause and not for profit gain; therefore, contestant sponsorships and prize donations are a must in order for us to raise the maximum amount for our charity as well as offer an amazing performance for our sponsors and audience.”
The Knights Charity Association is an NPO that raises funds to help homes and underprivileged children in Benoni.
Corporate sponsorship options include many benefits, and companies can sponsor one contestant or two (a Miss and Mr). One of the benefits is that the winners will be available to the company for promotional work throughout their reign.
Important points for entrants:
• Entrants for Miss Benoni must be between 18 and 25.
• Entrants for Mr Benoni must be between 16 and 25.
• Entrants must not have been married or engaged or given birth/been pregnant.
• Get your entry form at the Rampage studio at 10 Miles Sharp Street, on their Facebook page (Rampage Modelling Agency) or email claudine@rampagemodels.co.za
• Closing date for entries is October 20.
• The final is set to take place at Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre on December 5.
ALSO READ: Meet the Mr and Miss Benoni 2019 judges
