MORNINGSIDE resident, Monique de Vries, wanted to make a difference in 2015, and has certainly done her best to make this a reality.
Monique felt beauty pageants were a good way to make a difference, and came across a site about the Mrs South Africa pageant.
“This site popped up and I felt this was my calling! I had to send in two photos of myself and write a motivation, and I was chosen as one of the semi-finalists!” she said.
She said she has a lot of work to do before the next round at Emperor’s Palace when the top 25 finalists would be announced.
“I have to find sponsors for the pageant and have to sell a table for the CANSA gala dinner at Emperor’s Palace on 24 April. I am still trying to get sponsors and am getting small amounts in. I am looking for a company to help take tickets for the dinner,” she said.
The 26-year-old was born in Durban and attended Werda High.
“I’m an Afrikaans girl! I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, Stefan, for nine months and he is my biggest fan. He has supported me all the way!” she said.
Monique is not all beauty and no brains. She is a civil draftsman and says she loves her job. She is also studying again, having taken on a project managment course in the engineering field through UNISA.
“I have to do 12 subjects in one year, which is going to be very hard. I’m trying to juggle everything, but I can do it!” she said.
Monique said she is excited about the pageant. “This pageant is about empowering women, it’s about reaching out to the community while looking gorgeous. I feel confident but nervous about this pageant, I am competing against some gorgeous and strong women. I have been sponsored a beautiful dress by Purple Tulip which will help me feel confident on the night!” she said.
The weekend of judging includes an interview round with the judges, which makes up 70 per cent of the mark, and the other round involves walking around in a bikini, which makes up 30 per cent of the votes.
“I also encourage KZN residents to vote for me. I hope to make the province proud. I will be working hard to reach my dream. If I win, I will be the voice for those who don’t have,” she said.
Monique is very passionate about the organisation We are Durban, which goes out to rural communities to plant fruit and vegetables and helps with livestock, rebuilds shacks and creches and helps with babies.
“We are Durban is very hands on and is a charity close to my heart,” she said.
She is also a gym fanatic and enjoys doing park runs on a Saturday and playing squash with her husband.
“I love being behind the camera and taking photos of SA’s beautiful people and nature. I also love spending time with my family and friends and reaching out to other people,” she said.
Monique said her family is very proud of her.
“I couldn’t do this without God giving me the strength, and my family, husband and friends for giving me help and support,” she said.,
Vote for Monique on the SMS line – SMS Monique de Vries to 35959. Like her Facebook page: Monique De Vries Mrs SA semi-finalist.
If you are able to help with sponsorship or buy tickets for the CANSA dinner, contact Monique on 082 455 8614.
