Two Highway beauties vie for Miss SA crown
They’re young, beautiful, smart and driven with a burning desire to contribute to the landscape of the country - meet New Germany and Westville's Miss South Africa 2016 semi-finalists.
THE 25 beautiful young women who will be vying for the Miss South Africa 2016 title have been announced and among them are two Highway beauties.
Shanice Smith from New Germany and Kerusha Govender from Westville made their first public appearances as part of the chosen top 25 semi-finalists at a polo event for breast cancer, held at Inanda Club on Sunday, 4 October.
Kerusha, currently based in Johannesburg, works as a legal advisor for soccer team, Mamelodi Sundowns FC, and is also Miss Mamelodi Sundowns coordinator.
The 25-year-old admitted that being crowned Miss SA has been a dream of hers since she was a little girl.
“I remember, since the age of five, waiting for the finale and being glued to the screen watching it. I was in awe of how beautiful the women were.
“That this wondrous and glamorous life could be bestowed upon any woman, no matter background or race or circumstances, certainly resembled the fairytales I grew up reading,” said Govender.
The Miss South Africa pageant is the most prestigious pageant in the country, boasting winners who went on to become a Miss Universe and three Miss Worlds.
The women who have worn the crown have become icons in many different spheres of life, and after two previous attempts in 2013 and 2014, 23-year-old Shanice is hoping that third time will be the charm.
The former Pinetown Girls’ High School pupil and aspiring entrepreneur graduated from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal Westville with a BSc degree in geological sciences.
“I had entered before and made it to the first rounds but I knew the timing wasn’t right. I told myself I’d try again in a year or two.
“After graduating, I moved to Johannesburg as I was offered a job at a mining company which later offered to fund my honours in geology instead,” said Smith.
“The whole family knows how much she wants to win the title, so I encouraged her to go try again this year,” said Deidré Sicard, Smith’s older sister.
The selection process for the semi-finalists involved full day workshops, swimming costume rounds, on-camera interviews, networking and impression classes and question-and-answer sessions with the judges.
“When I arrived at the hotel on the morning of casting, there was no time for nerves. I told myself if I made it through the next few rounds then this is my year, the timing is right and I’m winning this crown – I can feel it,” said Smith.
Of the 25 women, only 12 will compete for the Miss South Africa 2016 title in March next year, when the winner will be crowned by the reigning Miss South Africa, Liesl Laurie.
The top 12 will be chosen and announced in early November this year.
