Brakpan beauty eyes Miss SA title
The top 30 finalists of the pageant were recently announced and Brakpan's Kayla Wagg is one of them.
Brakpan resident Kayla Wagg is one of 30 finalists vying for the title of Miss South Africa 2024.
Kayla (22) is a business owner and digital marketing student, who describes herself as determined, resilient and kind.
She is married to Darren, and together they have two cocker spaniels, Emma and Ollie. The former Hoërskool Stoffberg learner says she is a family person that will do anything for the people she loves.
• Why did you decide to enter Miss South Africa 2024 and why do you deserve to win this title?
As a South African, I’ve seen the struggles that people face, trying to build a life with limited opportunities and resources, and I have always wanted to be able to make a difference.
I believe that with the Miss South Africa platform I can amplify my message, and address these problems. I am not someone who only raises her voice, but someone who takes action. I believe that with kindness as your language, you can change the world, and that is what I want to show South Africa.
• What do you think is the most important part of Miss South Africa?
The journey to self-discovery, the growth and the opportunity to empower and inspire others.
• What qualities should a woman possess to make a notable difference in the world?
A woman should be determined, resilient, strong, true to herself, kind and compassionate.
• How are you playing your part in your community and in South Africa?
I am involved in our local church, El Roi Teater, where we serve the people in our community. I’ve also had the opportunity to organise and be part of outreaches to the local community, where we reach out to the poor and give them the necessities they need. Not only do we give them clothes and food, but we spend time with them and give them “soul food” as well.
• What do you love about South Africa?
To me there is no culture like the South African culture. The people are what makes us a great nation. Despite all the challenges that we face, our people always have hope for a better future. It has been proved over the years that when South Africans unite, nothing can stand against us, and that is what I love most.
• How do you define success?
Success has nothing to do with never failing, but everything to do with always bouncing back after a failure and trying again. Success isn’t a goal, it’s a journey.
• Who are your local and international female role models and why?
My local role model is definitely Natasha Joubert. I’ve been following her story since I can remember, and I’ve always admired her confidence in who she is, and her ability to change everything she touches into gold. Internationally it is Allyson Rowe, a former Miss Washington. Her ability to inspire young women is incredible.
• What do you think is the biggest problem facing young people today?
The young generation is facing the challenge of not knowing who they are, and not knowing where to find their identity. They are so tied up in trying to figure out who they are amidst peer pressure, social media and world standards, that who they truly are meant to be is blurred out.
That leaves them feeling that they don’t have a purpose which is also the cause of anxiety and depression amongst other mental health issues.
• What is your message to young girls and young women in South Africa?
You are capable. You have what it takes to change the world. You may be different, and you may feel like you’re not good enough, but the truth is that every women has something different to give. Your story may be different than others, but there is power in that. You can change the world, by being you. The light is already in you, you should just shine.
Viewers will get to meet the finalists in Crown Chasers, the thrilling reality TV show which introduces South African viewers to those vying to take the crown from the current incumbent Natasha Joubert.
The six-part series starts on SABC3 on June 29 at 20:30. Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with Sun International.
Follow Kayla on social media:
• Facebook: @kayla wagg
• Instagram: @hello_its kayla
• TikTok: @hello_its-kay_
• X: @kayla_wagg
