GALLERY: Out of Africa Queen crowned
NORTHCLIFF – Local resident is crowned as the Out of Africa Queen 2015 after raising R14 000 for CHOC.
El van der Merwe (55), a Northcliff resident, was crowned as the Out of Africa Pageant Queen 2015 on 26 September at the Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria.
Van der Merwe was also awarded with two additional awards of Business Queen and Overall Winner in the different categories.
She raised a total of R14 000 over four months for the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC).
She explained her decision to raise funds for CHOC was because her own family has been challenged with cancer.
“My father passed away of lung cancer and a dear friend of mine is currently suffering from brain cancer,”said Van der Merwe.
Van der Merwe said she has a background in education and strongly believes parents should monitor their children from a young age.
“Prevention is easier than curing your ignorance,” said Van der Merwe
R6 000 was raised by the agents of Rawson Northcliff who planned to make it an annual event to raise funds for CHOC from next year.
The cheque was handed over to Van der Merwe on 1 October on behalf of pageant director Karen Schwendtke.
Van der Merwe said although beauty did play a role in the pageant, she feels the most important thing is to have the intention to make a difference.
“I do believe in beauty but the most important aspect one must have is confidence and a willpower to make a change,” she said.
Besides being a beauty queen, Van der Merwe is also a wellness practitioner, entrepreneur, motivational speaker and a keen golfer.
She said her motto in life is to look into the sun so the shadow can fall behind you.
Related Articles:
Mrs South Africa semi-finalist
Miss South Africa entries open
Miss South Africa hopeful: Ntsiki Mkhize
