Could you be the one?

WITH an ever growing awareness and global focus on climate change, the work done by Miss Earth ambassadors across the country has become more important than ever.

The 2016 Miss Earth South Africa celebrates its 13th year of empowering South African women who go on to become advocates for waste management, recycling, climate change, food security, water stewardship and energy efficiency.

The organisation has been acknowledged and recognised from within the environmental space, both nationally and internationally, for more than a decade, thus creating even more awareness and scope of the growing need for more conscious-minded individuals and communities.

This leadership programme seeks to develop young minds, inspiring young women who in turn touch lives and ignite greener cities.

Award winning duo, Ella Bella and Catherine Constantinides, are the executive directors of the Miss Earth South Africa leadership programme and they continue to grow their footprint across the continent, working on both Miss Earth Zambia and Miss Earth Namibia.

Their vision is to create a continental network of young climate leaders who are passionately changing the face of Africa. They often say, “It starts with us and as women we are the movers and shakers of communities, so it’s up to us to shake things up and get people thinking about ways in which we can have less of an impact on the world around us. When we look after Mother Earth she is then able to sustain and look after us.”

Entries for 2016 close on April 8 and potential applicants can access application forms on the official website, www.missearthsa.co.za. National workshops and castings will take place weekly across the country at Tsogo Sun venues during the month of May.

The programme is endorsed by the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Department of Tourism. The initiatives are run alongside municipalities and corporates that are seeking to impact the communities around them, while educating these young women who carry the green message forward. This year the organisation is proud to partner with Pikitup on school and community activations, educational programmes and projects that support the strategic goals of Pikitup, through the Miss Earth programme.

For more info, log onto www.missearthsa.co.za and follow the journey on Twitter and Instagram, @missearth_sa, and join their Facebook page: Miss Earth South Africa.