ECO-ACTIVIST, Victoria Soutar, has made it through to the finals of Miss Earth South Africa, which will be held in September.
Soutar recently returned from a recent trip to Johannesburg where she met and worked with Miss Earth contestants from around the country.
“It was an incredible experience. I started off quite nervous but by the end of day one I felt right at home after meeting the rest of the Miss Earth SA finalists. It was lovely to work with like minded, strong women who are eager to make a difference,” she said.
During her stay in Johannesburg, the contestants visited Diepsloot Primary School to plant trees with the pupils, and visited a primary school at Kya Sands where a metal container structure, with no electricity, serves as a classroom.
“We donated stationery and food packs to them and spent some time talking about problems some of the Miss Earth finalists faced while growing up and how to overcome barriers and stay strong,” she said.
“It was such a wonderful experience, and I heard this month that I’ve made it through to the finals so I will be competing for the title in September along with a shortlist of other contestants. I’m feeling a little nervous, but so confident in my work and my journey. I love the work and projects I have been doing with Miss Earth and have really enjoyed the platform it has given me. I’m really excited to see what it leads me in the future,” she said.
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Her current line-up of projects included taking part in the UNISA SAWID UN Women National Women’s Dialogue celebration, after her name was put forward by Mathabo Kunene, wife of poet laureate Masizi Kunene.
“I felt really honored to join her at this dialogue to discuss topics such as waste management, agriculture and food security and early childhood development. The one-day event considers how women can mobilise knowledge, technology, expertise and funding from governmental, non-governmental and corporate sector institutions. Specific attention was given to sustainable income generating opportunities in those sectors,” she said.
This month, Victoria delivered winter clothes and blankets with We Can Youth Foundation in Imbali, Pietermaritzburg and during the week she will be visiting Joseph Baynes Children’s Home to deliver non-perishable goods.
If anyone is interested in partnering with Miss Earth South Africa or following Victoria’s journey they can contact her on: victoriasoutar@yahoo.com or follow her journey via Instagram/ Twitter by searching: @vicsouts/Victoria Soutar
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