SA’s next earth warrior announced
Pretoria based psychology graduate and community worker, Carla Viktor has been announced as Miss Earth South Africa 2015.
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – The dynamic 24-year-old was announced by Minister of Tourism, Mr Derek Hanekom at an auspicious gathering hosted by Tsogo Sun; the official home of Miss Earth South Africa. Carla captured the attention of her community, schools across South Africa and the judges, with her focus and passion embedded in the principle of Ubuntu. Carla stated; “Climate Change is, unfortunately, one of the greatest challenges of our time and we shouldn’t be afraid to break barriers, ask the tough questions and start difficult conversations.”
Carla grew up in Hartebeespoort in the Madibeng Municipality and her passion for this community has been evident on her journey as a finalist as she engaged many of the surrounding schools over a period of six months.
Carla is joined in the top four places by first runner up; Johannesburg born Jade Axon (23) , currently a Brand Building and management student at Vega School of Brand Leadership. Second runner up is Welkom born Andricia Hinckemann, an LLB student at the University of the Free State followed by fourth runner up, Centurion beauty Milanie Cilliers, a BCom student at North-West University.
With an ever changing landscape of development and growth it is critical that youth and women are part of the critical agenda on sustainability, climate change and the responsibility each of us carries to build and empower our country.
International Climate Activist and Executive Director of the Miss Earth South Africa Catherine Constantinides said; “We ‘salute’ each and every young ambassador that has taken up the challenge and has been a part of this extraordinary programme and by so doing has touched lives and impacted communities and those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.”
“Through the Miss Earth SA programme, we actively drive sustainable policy development from municipal level through to National government. We inspire people to look at environmental issues through new eyes, understanding that each individual has a role to play. Our programme strives to breed a culture of respect and mutual passion for the environment that we live in. Aligning with Tsogo Sun is a natural progression in achieving this goal, with the complimentary programme’s creating a partnership that ensures compound efficacy and growth.
Miss Earth South Africa 2015 will travel to the 15th International Miss Earth competition on December 5 in Vienna, Austria, where she will highlight key climate issues facing South Africa. As well as adding her voice to the biggest Climate negotiations to date, COP21 in Paris from November 30.
