WATCH: Marinov, Van Zyl win Mr and Miss Benoni

The newly-crowned Mr and Miss Benoni, Stephen Marinov and Dunay van Zyl are committed to continuing their charity drives to help needy people in the community.

The pair claimed their victories at a glamorous finale at aha Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre on July 7 after competing with 24 other contestants from the community.

The show started with the 16 couples taking turns on the stage in swim and beachwear in the first half. In the second half, they hit the ramp in their evening wear and introduced themselves before concluding with a Q&A with the judges.

The judges included last year’s winners, Meshack Maleka and Raquel Coelho, while Miss Benoni 1993, Tanya Borchers, was a guest. Saxophonist Sheldon Sham kept the audience entertained with his melodic sounds.

A dream come true

Earlier, Van Zyl hit the ramp modelling a black swimsuit before changing to a blue sequin long-sleeve side split gown for the second half.

She said she was delighted with the win, saying it fulfilled her childhood dream.

“It means everything to me. Since I was a little girl, I dreamt of being a model one day, and I’m fulfilling that dream. I hope, in the future, I get more opportunities and travel the world with modelling. I want to make the little me proud,” she said.

The model, who would like to become Miss SA, said this is a stepping-stone to better things and hopes the doors will open up for her in the modelling industry.

Van Zyl will continue giving back to the community and plans on working with local schools to help more learners who need clothing.

“I want to help. I want to help local schools get more clothes for needy learners. I have quite a few ideas I want to explore.”

Kylie Turner took the first princess crown, while Christy Mackenzie was the second.

Stepping-stone

Marinov introduced himself, walking hand-in-hand with Van Zyl, shirtless and dressed only in rugby shorts, leaving his ripped torso exposed. He later changed into a white suit with a black tie and waistcoat.

He said this meant a lot to him and showed he is disciplined enough to commit himself to compete at this level.

“I’ve been dieting so hard these past three months. I committed to try and push myself out of my comfort zone and achieve my physique, which was motivation to come on stage and show my hard work,” Marinov said.

The bodybuilder lost 16kg and 6% body fat due to hard training and a strict diet in preparation for the pageant.

“It was my main goal to see if I had the dedication to continue my journey into bodybuilding. This pageant was a stepping-stone to get onto the stage and show off my hard work.”

Marinov will also continue his charity drives in the community.

“Seeing those children at the charity events in the past three months and being able to give back to them was heartwarming. It made me realise there’s so much more to life, and spending those extra weekends to provide for needy children is beautiful,” said Marinov.

Kyle Giraudeaux and Alessio lo Guidice were crowned the first and second princes, respectively.

Palesa Bambisa and Ntokozo Mchiza were the Benoni City Times people’s choice winners.

Michael Bigmore is the Mr and Miss Benoni Debutant for raising and contributing the most to the pageant’s charity drive.

Also Read: New Mr and Miss Benoni High crowned

Also Read: Mr and Miss Benoni High crowned

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