Local stunner a Miss SA semi-finalist

Shelbe Pretorius, aged 23, is the latest Krugersdorp beauty to be chosen as a Miss South Africa 2017 semi-finalist.

There are 26 beauties from across the country vying for the prestigious title. They will compete for the title at the Sun City Superbowl on 25 March 2017, in an event which will be televised live and simulcast on M-Net and Mzansi Magic.

The semi-finalists are an impressive group. Among them are a medical doctor and a speech therapist; several law students; one about to qualify as an engineer; the owner of a construction company and a news reader on Soweto TV. Two were Miss South Africa finalists (placed in the Top 12) in 2014 and 2015; one was awarded her Protea colours in rhythmic gymnastics at the age of 13 and was a gold medal winner at the All African Championships, while another contestant is the daughter of a legendary former Bafana Bafana soccer captain.

Shelbe is the owner of Flair Promotional Models and wants to be Miss SA because she believes she has all the qualities needed to be a phenomenal ambassador for our country.

“I am passionate about people and a strong believer in making a difference. I live each day to inspire not only women, but everyone from all races, religions, cultures and backgrounds. My biggest desire is to instill value and purpose in the hearts of young women and children. I want to inspire people to live purposeful, driven lives. I believe it’s not the title that will define me – I will define the value of the title by being able to bring all of me, my dreams, my goals and my purpose to it.”

One of her role models is a former Miss SA and Miss World title holder, Rolene Strauss.

“Not only was she crowned Miss World, she also started the Strauss Foundation and she continues to make a difference. She is a go-getter and a doer.”

She credits her good upbringing to her family. Her father, Ronnie, has been in the ministry for 20 years and is currently one of the pastors and leaders at Rhema West Christian church. Her mother serves at the church too, and is the founder and leader of the Young Adults Group.

“When we are not serving in the ministry as a family, we enjoy going to the Kruger Park for a break. We are a very close and tight-knit family that has movie dates and braai days every Sunday.

The News wishes Shelbe good luck with her Miss SA endeavour and will keep readers up to date with her progress.

Read more on Miss SA finalists:

Local beauty a Miss SA finalist

Beautiful Liesl crowned the new Miss SA