Miss Earth crowns 2017 ‘green’ queen
Irini takes the green sash as Miss Earth South Africa 2017
IRINI Moutzouris is a dynamic and determined individual from Klerksdorp in the North West and is completing her Bachelor of Education Degree at the University of Pretoria. She was crowned Miss Earth South Africa 2017 in a glittering gala dinner held at Montecasino on September 9.
The glam dinner welcomed friends and families of the 16 finalists as well as representatives of Pikitup, City of Joburg, Tsogo Sun, the Department of Environmental Affairs, the Department of Tourism and many more sponsors and endorsers of Miss Earth South Africa. Champagne was served to guests as they entered the ballroom while photographers captured precious moments between the Earth sisters in the foyer. Past Miss Earth queens and ambassadors were all present and didn’t miss the opportunity to take pictures with sponsors and endorsers of Miss Earth as well as founder of Generation Earth, Ella Bella, and environmentalist Catherine Constantinides.
The ballroom was decorated according to the #WasteStopsWithMe campaign’s theme. The campaign was launched a year ago with partners including the City of Johannesburg, Pikitup, Tsogo Sun and SANBI. The menu offered ‘green food’ and it was made clear that all waste generated on the evening would be used as compost.
The gala evening was proudly hosted by Tsogo Sun and boasted a very impressive guest list including the ambassador of Sweden, the ambassador of the Netherlands and the ambassador of France, UN dignitaries, MMC Dr Mpho Phalatse, MEC for Education Mr Panyaza Lesufi, Former mayor Duma Nkosi, former Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom, Pikitup chairman Mr Bheki Shongwe and the managing director of Pikitup Mr Lungile Dhlamini. Celebrities like Palesa Masiteng (sports presenter and international model), TV personality Zizo Tshwete and Tema Sebopedi were also present.
Leanne Mannas, renowned South African broadcaster and anchor of Morning Live, and former Miss Earth winners and ambassadors, were part of the panel of judges. The mistress of ceremony was the beautiful Keabetswe Mashugane – an actress and radio personality.
On the ramp
Finalists showcased a denim range, a range of dresses made from waste material to name a few and lastly they modelled in their sparkling ball gowns. First two ambassadors were announced, followed by the third runner up, second runner up, first runner up and lastly the winner – Irini Moutzouris.
Irini is currently completing her final year as an education student and believes we all need to be re-educated on waste and our own role in the waste management of the city.
“Being a Miss Earth South Africa winner means being a role model to South Africans and a voice for the environment that creates awareness about environmental problems we face on a daily basis, especially in waste management,” she said.
It has been an intense few months for the finalists who have been hard at work, with a mission to change the perception and understanding of waste through the WasteStopsWithMe campaign. Not only did these young women take to the streets of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Bloemfontein, but they stretched their campaign to Clayville, Durban, Polokwane, East London, Mpumalanga, Randburg, Diepsloot, Soweto, Port Elizabeth and across South Africa.
The Runner Ups, for 2017, included Orielia Egambaram (first runner up from Tshwane), Bianca Rungasamy (second runner up from Kwa-Zulu Natal) and Rose Mantsho (third runner up from Limpopo). The two ambassadors announced were Marianna Christophi for the City of Johannesburg and Lebogang Mokoena.
Heroes among us
Ella Bella Constantinides-Leite, Director of the programme said; “It’s rewarding to see the growth and influence of the Miss Earth South Africa programme, over a period of more than fourteen years we can confidentially say we have empowered, educated and encouraged young women from around South Africa to become environmental ambassadors and role models in their communities.”
“Tsogo Sun extends hearty congratulations to Irini Moutzouris from North West for winning the 2017 Miss Earth crown, and to her runners up, all of whom demonstrated their great passion for environmental awareness. Tsogo Sun is delighted to be a major partner of this effective and hard-working initiative. Just this year alone, Tsogo Sun volunteers have rolled up their sleeves and worked together with Miss Earth volunteers in a range of initiatives, including tree planting, vegetable garden planting and clean ups. We look forward to continuing to work alongside the Miss Earth ambassadors in making a difference in our world,” said Candy Tothill, Tsogo Sun’s general manager of corporate affairs.
The Miss Earth programme is proud to work throughout the year with Pikitup and the City of Johannesburg alongside Tsogo Sun, the official home and venue partner of Miss Earth South Africa and strategic partners SAPPI, SANBI, The Department of Environmental Affairs and the UN Environment.
Executive director of Miss Earth South Africa, Catherine Constantinides says; “Heroes don’t live in story books they live among us and we as the Miss Earth have to ensure we empower and inspire these young ladies to be active citizens and be those heroes we need in society to allow us to change the problems we face on the social and the environmental parts of society.”
Also Read:
Miss Earth SA regional finalists chosen
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