Miss Earth South Africa 2014 announced

JOHANNESBURG – Saunders is 23 years old and a BA Communications graduate who is currently studying further at the University of the North West.  Her excitement and pleasure at the announcement is born from a burning desire to help people and to make a difference.

The Honourable Minister of Environmental Affairs Ms Edna Molewa spoke about the importance of women in the community and their role in environmental advocacy noting that, “This organisation is nurturing a new generation of environmental activists with a passion for their cause – infused with a sense of empathy that is indeed rare among the young people of today.

“By giving hope and inspiring change in others, my life has been enriched. It is an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life as it has enabled me to create practical projects, which have improved the lives of people. To give inspires me,” said Saunders. This young, dynamic woman will represent South Africa at the international Miss Earth competition to take place on November 29 in the Philippines, South East Asia.

The 13 finalists are vibrant young women who have been very involved in their communities, at schools and in supporting the organisation’s national campaigns around food security, energy efficiency and greening programmes. The Runners up are from equally diverse backgrounds, with the first runner up being Steffani Alexander a 22-year-old  BCom student who is passionate about people and empowerment through education. The second runner up is Michillay Brown, also 22 years old, an Environmental Science and Management student who aims to serve; impact and positively influence the lives of those around her.

Roxanne Watson, the third runner up, is a 22-year-old qualified nutritionist from the tropical coastal province of KwaZulu Natal, who is completing her Masters in Consumer Science, Food and Nutrition while also lecturing.

“It is rewarding to see the growth and influence of the Miss Earth South Africa programme, over a period of more than a decade. We aim to continue to empower young women with the knowledge and platform to create a sustainable difference in our plight to combat the destruction of our natural heritage,” said Catherine Constantinides, Executive Director of the Miss Earth South Africa.

The event was emceed by Darren Maule, a well-known performer, who is equally comfortable in front of a microphone, a camera or a live audience. Maule has been a familiar name and face on the South African entertainment circuit for over 20 years. His entertaining linking of the event was coloured by the who’s who that attended; from socialite Edith Venter Schwarts, to songbird Bianca Le Grange and captains of industry who were in attendance to share in the big announcement.  Former Miss Earth South Africa winners Kayan Leung, Ashanti Mbanga, Nondyebo Dwingwa, and Nancy Rebelo also joined in the festive spring affair at the Palazzo.

This year’s programme was hotly contested, with hundreds of entries received earlier in the year; the organisation took 60 young ladies through to the regional finalist round. Finalists were announced in Cape Town in August, while celebrating South African women.

Constantinides said, “The finalists demonstrated clear leadership qualities, creative thinking, strength of mind and of character, and most importantly, a passion for making a sustainable difference in their communities.  The programme has been exciting and challenging and whilst ensuring that these young women have made an impact on the communities around them, they have also delivered a service and compassion. The participants made an effort to inspire and educate individuals, schools, communities, corporate South Africa and policymakers to consider the environment and the challenges that we face as a nation and indeed as a continent.”

As Saunders now prepares for a year of excitement, travel and a very demanding schedule, she will be working closely with both the Department of Environmental Affairs and Department of Tourism. During the remainder of Heritage month she takes a strong message against rhino poaching with her upcoming trip to South East Asia, a critical topic on our national agenda as South African’s, especially as we celebrate Tourism month, Heritage month and International Rhino Day. The newly announced Miss Earth South Africa will focus on Sustainable and Eco Tourism as a key theme linked to the international event and a theme that will now be taken forward by the organisation, linking to responsible tourism and sustainability.

SA’s green girl drives away with a Hybrid vehicle, compliments of IMPERIAL Toyota for the year of her reign. She will receive prizes from David Green Eyewear, leading South African designers Werner Dey, Gerrit Pienaar and Simon Rademan, gifts from Healing Earth, Baobab Oil, Crystal Forum and Jenni Gault. Her hair treatments and styling will be sponsored by leading Sandton-based salon, Bijan Boutique Hair and Elchim. This coupled with dental care from Sandton Dental Studio, will ensure that Miss Earth SA will cater for her smile, with Camelot taking care of all her beauty needs.

Earth Pro-Biotics and Carbon Track will equip her for a greener lifestyle in her day-to-day living, while SWEAT1000 the new exercise experience that has taken the country by storm, will keep the ambassadors fit and strong to tackle their exciting journey ahead. Samsonite will ensure that she travels in style both locally and internationally. Valpre Spring Water will keep her hydrated and on the go, while catering to all her water needs.